Let the Right One In (Låt den rätte komma in). Tomas Alfredson, 2008.
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Edition screened: Magnolia DVD, released 2009. Swedish language with English subtitles. Runtime approximately 115 minutes.
Summary: No particular depictions of violence toward animals.
This is a calm, satisfying vampire film, not played for juvenile laughs or Tiger Beat lust. The film is hurt by a short scene, starting at 1:17:30, in which the newly ‘infected’ Virginia comes into an apartment filled with cats who identify her for what she is. They attack her, and woman and cats all flail around a bit before tumbling down some steps. The scene is wince-inducing not because of any animal issue, but because of the spielbergian comedic tone and distracting CGI. This type of misfit low point sometimes indicates a work’s starting point. The rest of the composition develops and improves around it, but the embryonic gesture, often involving a disproportionate investment of time and resources, stays a sacred liability.