mike[space] dot net

Yesterday I totally failed to actually review the film I saw on Saturday, as I distracted myself with a new tale of idiocy - the actual journey to the cinema. So I thought today I would go with a shorter piece where I actually talk about the film ...

My experience of Let The Right One In started in confusion, and this didn't really end when I watched the film. This is not a reflection on the film itself, but instead is a reflection of my expectations, and the subsequent effect on watching it. Somehow I had got completely the wrong end of the stick, and thought that it was going to build from a slow build into out and out thrills, spills and scares. This doesn't actually happen, so I had the rather strange experience of watching a beautiful, measured, romantic piece of cinema, whilst expecting it to turn into a gore-fest at any moment.

As a result of this rather odd mix, it took me a while to really work out whether I enjoyed the film or not. I was sat watching a beautiful piece of cinema, following what was going on and appreciating the film, but at the same time I had a nagging feeling that a shift in tone was just around the corner. I was looking forward to the change, excited to see how they did it, and so wound up slightly disappointed when it didn't happen. But, I did wind up thinking about the film a lot, and it's really stayed with me. It looks amazing, with a stark pallet that belies the dream-like qualities of the film. The two principal performances are brilliant, and the sense of growing friendship between them is well realised. There are some incredibly deft touches that really ground the story in the world of children, whilst exploring some pretty adult themes, and the overall tale is superb.

Basically, it is a great film, and I really can't wait to see it again without the weight of completely inappropriate expectations. If you get the chance go see it. And to be clear - it's not a horror film. It has moments of tension, and there is a classic horror aspect to it, but it is not scary. Creepy, and beautiful. But not scary. And the scene at the swimming pool is a must see.