10 Foreign Horror Movies You Must Watch For Halloween

3. Let The Right One In (2008)

For another unusual take on vampire lore, look no further than the Swedish movie Let The Right One In, which was based on the novel by John Ajvide Lindqvist. The film may share Thirst's desire to re-imagine the traditional vampire movie, but the approach it adopts is uniquely its own. The film is set in the 1980's and follows a twelve year old boy named Oskar who is regularly bullied at school. Although he feels isolated and alone, Oskar begins to develop a relationship with a girl called Eli who moves in next door. As their friendship grows, Oskar soon discovers that Eli is in fact a vampire, but instead of withdrawing in fear, this insight actually brings the two closer together. Director Tomas Alfredson prioritizes the relationship between the two main characters above all else and this is what makes Let The Right One In such a resounding success. The elements of horror are interwoven seamlessly throughout the story in a natural way that enhances the plot and doesn't cheat audiences with cheap scares. Let The Right One In is also a rare example of horror film-making as a true art form, due to the beautiful, restrained direction used throughout. At its core though, Alfredson's adaptation is a coming-of-age story, one which will stick with you long after the credits have rolled. The American remake may be fairly good, but it's completely redundant due to the sheer quality of the original.