Where to begin? The movie Let Me In was compelling on so many levels I have no idea where to start and what to say. I could do a lot more research than I have but I think I would prefer a fresh approach without much background.

The movie premise is simple enough. 12 year old boy meets 12 year old girl vampire. This movie is about as far from Twilight as you can get. It is incredibly disturbing at a visceral level and really should be avoided by people who do not like horror movies. That being said this is not your typical horror movie either. Probably what makes it so compelling to me is it is atypical. It does not fit the rapidly shifting American horror model which can be simply defined as – Evil appears, Good fights evil, Evil loses. As I have written before the impact of J-Horror (Japanese Horror) on American horror cinema cannot be understated as it follows a radically different cultural mindset that does not require evil to “win” and frankly struggles with the idea of pure evil and pure good.

Let Me In is less about good versus evil or even shades of gray and more about relationships, puberty – its power in youth and the extent of its power over the adult mind, bullying, and guilt

A radical remake of the vampire mythos, Let Me In explores the power of emerging female sexuality and puberty rather than the typical focus on male sexuality and power. In this sense it is reminiscent of Stephen King’s first novel Carrie which explores similar themes although the two radically depart in their conclusions.

The movie is based on a Swedish novel which was adapted into a highly successful Swedish film of the same name – Let the Right One In. The title of the novel provides more clues to the intent of the movie, particularly when it comes to relationships and the vulnerability of youth.

The three main characters include Abby, the vampire responds to the question of “How old are you?” with “I’m 12, but I have been 12 for a very long time”; Owen, the 12 year old neighbour boy Abby befriends, and Abby’s “father”/caretaker. Abby is portrayed by rising star Chloe Moretz of Kick-Ass and Diary of a Wimpy Kid fame while Owen is portrayed by Kodi Smit-McPhee from the film The Road.

I should say that the movie does take a look at the question of evil but it is framed within the question of relationship and relational intent.

The movie leaves the viewer with many questions especially about the integrity of the relationship between Abby and Owen. Is it genuine or is it a carefully orchestrated sham by Abby (and more frightening…does that really make a difference in the end).

Technically a well put together DVD with the standard extras like director`s commentary, a special effects documentary (although there were times when I found the vampire movement effects a little off), and the sound is truly well done. Some Blue Oyster Cult music thrown into the mix fits with the 1983 setting.

You can watch this movie on one level as a good horror film and come away satisfied but to truly appreciate it you need to watch it at a deeper level. Powerful and highly recommended.