Let the Right One in - Review

 

'Let the Right One in' or 'Låt den Rätte Komma In', was written as a book by John Ajvide Lindqvist in 2004 with brilliant reviews. Since in has been adapted into two films, one using the title 'Let me in (2010)', and a play developed by the Scottish National theatre. Although distinguishing adaptations in all versions, the persisting story through all of them is one of sacrifice, friendship and love aswell as vampires, blood and cruelty.

Let the Right One in (2008) - Film

Although in Swedish, this film was gripping the whole way through. There are plenty more scenes and characters than in the stage adaptation which gives a bigger sense of the local community and area. The actors chose to play the characters originally seemed very young to me due to the considerably adult themes however the way that the characters are written means that the cast choice works perfectly, especially for the character of Oskar.

Let the Right One in (2013) - Play

In my opinion the stage adaptation of 'Let the Right One in' is equally, if not more gripping, than the film. It too has extra scenes which become a vital part of the play and are greatly dramatic. The set is designed so well that you don't need that sense of a large community as it becomes possible, and that the audience becomes convinced, that the whole town exists in the tiny confines of the stage. The characters are played by slightly older actors however this means in many ways Oskar's character seems very strange and childish though this still seems to fit well in many ways.