Let Me In (Matt Reeves, 2010): British American
Reviewed by Kelvin Matthews. Viewed on DVD.
Exquisitely written and conceived, “Let Me In” is a ground breaking, avant garde romantic horror film, that is simply heart wrenching and heart breaking to watch, with superb and passionate performances by Chloe Grace Moretz (Abby) and Lodi Smit – McPhee who plays Owen, this film truly touches and engulfs your heart.
Adapted from the novel “Let the Right One In” by John Ajvide Lindqvist, “Let Me In” has a non linear narrative structure and editing style that is especially powerful and impacting for the viewer, as the two main characters grace your heart and touch your soul. Set in the dreary back drop of Los Alamos, New Mexico, the cinematography and placement of the camera adds a brilliant sense of realism and harshness and helps to depict the characters emotions and relationships with others which can especially be seen in Owens distant relationship with his mother and the loneliness he feels in his life.
“Let Me In”crosses into a literature structure and romantic feel, and brings a sense of empathy for the characters and the life that fate has bestowed upon them.
With the non linear narrative and the use of reflections this film has a classic and intimate look and feel that is only enhanced by the shallow focusing seen in the scenes and the low key lighting that helps to give this film its intimacy and a romantic, dreamlike feel and mood.
The mood of this film is especially memorable and touching, as it reaches into the deepest parts of one’s humanity and grace, and helps you see and appreciate the beauty and innocence of being alive and being with your soulmate.
Like two people inter winded and meant to share their existence together, this film touches on that and the innocence and beauty of one’s youth. Free from the sexuality of other vampire films, this film encompasses that of innocence and romance, as well as a violence that seems born from circumstance.
Set in Los Alamos, New Mexico Owen is a lonely and seemingly unhappy 12 year old boy, who feels neglected by his divorcing parents and continuously harassed and bullied at school. Living with his mom, he becomes curious when he see’s new neighbors moving in, a man and seemingly his daughter who despite the snow is barefoot and wearing a coat.
The following day the girl approaches Owen as he is sitting in the courtyard of his apartment complex and insists on being alone. Just as abruptly as she appears, she just as abruptly tells Owen ” You know. We can’t be friends,” as she walks away. The following day she approaches Owen once again when she see’s him playing with a rubics cube. Because of Abby’s curiosity with puzzles she is drawn to Owen. They eventually become close friends which is something this seemingly shy, lonely and bullied boy needs. Abby not only becomes his friend but an inspiration that helps him discover himself and the world around him as they secure an breakable bond and devotion for one another.
With an out of sequence story line and the use of flashbacks this film makes you sympathize with the characters and the life that fate has given them. This can especially be seen and felt through the many shots that focus on the main characters, while the other characters in the scenes are often out of the frame, blurred or obscured and not fully viewable, which helps the viewer to concentrate on the main character in a scene.
This and the use of medium, close ups and “reflections” are especially powerful in helping the viewer feel the pain, loneliness, anguish and compassion in Abby’s life and the loneliness and isolation felt by Owen.
Although quiet and sweet in her demeanor, and seemingly the heart and presence of an angel, Abby also has the ability of unspeakable horror, and beautiful kindness, compassion and love.
This film is especially tender and harmonious to some extent, as it is created and driven through the narrative and characters that are easily likable, and the beautiful use of editing and cinematography with many techniques such as the “reflections on the window”that remind you in many ways of a classic avant grade noir film.
Profoundly moving and touching it makes your heart beat along with the characters and awakens your senses to what is eternally precious and important in life. It makes you feel the beauty, joy and pain of being alive and experiencing what is, our journey in life.
While Abby has an evil inside of her, this film beautifully and brilliantly shows the love and humanity inside of her as well, as you can’t help but sympathize with her character and what fate has given her and truly experience her pain. This film is especially artful and sensible in its look, as the cinematography in this film reflects beautifully the near darkness that Abby needs to exist and helps to encompass the viewer into this story.
With some of the most elegant and classic beauty seen in modern cinematography and a storyline you can’t help but embrace this film is classic and truly genuine in its style and the mood it reflects.
As an actor may we all have the opportunity to be thrust into a role that touches the very essence of humanity and makes one come alive.
As a viewer may you feel and come away with a more compassionate and loving heart that appreciates the beauty, joy and essence of life and being with the one who truly touches and holds your heart, and makes your life complete.
9 Comments
Jump to comment form | comments rss [?] | trackback uri [?]