Film Reviews

Let Me In

• Rating:
• Director: Matt Reeves
• Starring: Chloe Moretz
• Details: US/115mins 16

Those who whined in protest when this American adaptation of John Ajvide Lindqvist's novel was announced can stop spilling their decaffeinated frappucinos in frustration, it's every bit as beautiful and unsettling as the original. Cloverfield director Matt Reeves does a great job of transferring the setting to 80s New Mexico, and offers slight, but effective touches throughout to warrant an English language remake. It's the same wonderful story, just told with subtle differences that often improve on the original.
Kodi Smith- McPhee is lonely youngster, Owen, a sensitive kid who is going through a tough time at home as his parents file for divorce. Living with his religious mother, he spends most of his evenings sitting out in the cold square in front of his home, in fear of bumping into the bullies that make his school days a nightmare. When mysterious new tenants move into the apartment next door, Owen and the shy young girl, Abby (Moretz) quickly become friends. But Abby has a dark secret; she's a vampire who must feed on the blood of the living to survive, and the man who she lives with isn't her father...
For those that have seen the Swedish original, initially, the only difference appears to be that the language has changed, ridding the subtitles. Tonally the two films are very similar - there was no drastic changes there or anywhere else. While Let The Right One In gave us a brief scene with Owen's father, Reeves' film never allows us meet an adult that really cares about him. Youngster McPhee's excellent performance will completely draw you in and break your heart, evoking the kind of emotional empathy that actors years his senior would struggle to match.
Moretz is quickly establishing herself as the go-to actress when a young girl is required for a mature role, and her quiet, tortured turn is the best of a short career that should continue for many decades to come. Both young actors are complimented by unfussy, but strong supporting turns from the ever-reliable Richard Jenkins and Elias Koteas.
There is some needless, and dodgy, CGI, but that is a finicky gripe with what is an otherwise cracking film. Credit to Matt Reeves; he's just written and directed one of the best remakes in recent memory. Whether you've seen the original or not, you're in for a treat.

Review by Mike Sheridan