Let The Right One In Response

The relationship between Vampires and Humans has often been debated as one that while both have contrasting agendas in terms of their co-existence in fiction and how they relate to the natural order of planet earth. They aren’t as different from one another as one might think. Both value companionship and often feel isolated from the people around them because of social inhibitions and different views of the world. In “Let The Right One In” By John Ajvide Lindqvist, the connection between creature and human is examined through the eyes of the two main characters Oskar and Eli. Oskar is a lonely young boy, who is bullied and isolated at school, his parents are divorced and he doesn’t have friends. He is also established with having a fascination with violence and imagines taking bloody vengeance on his tormentors. This in part is what draws Eli to him. Eli herself is also lonely due in part to her being a vampire, as well as having to hide away from the world while her guardian Håkan kills innocents in order to provide her with blood to stay alive.

Although initially wanting to keep her distance from Oskar, circumstances in the course of the story bring them closer. Oskar gives in to his urges to commit violence and ends up maiming one of his tormenters, Eli’s guardian dies after pouring acid on his face and allowing himself to be mercy-killed by Eli herself. As the two form a close kinship, Oskar further becomes isolated from the world and his parents. It all pays off when Eli kills the bullies when they try to drown Oskar under threat of having his eye gouged. After which Oskar and Eli flee for parts unknown with the implication that either Oskar becomes a vampire or fulfills the role that Håkan provided for Eli.

As noted from the opening thesis and statement, Vampires and Humans aren’t as different as one may think. In a sense both species belong to the same condition that makes up society and how everyone perceives each other for better or worse. They each have their own individual vices and flaws, which make up a single person living in the modern world. Ultimately however, both desire companionship and the willingness to be accepted for their individuality and uniqueness. On the subject of Let The Right One In, these topics play a part in how the story about the two main characters commences. It also delves into whether in order to blend in one most conform to one’s idea of survival by viewing the people in the world as nothing more than a flock making their way to be slaughtered. Which in Eli’s case certainly seems true.