10 Scariest Horror Movie Vampires
3. Eli - Let The Right One In
Released in 2008, based on the 2004 novel of the same name, Let The Right One In had the task of reinvigorating the admittedly tired Vampire genre. It is a movie that is horrific on several layers, though not as directly obvious as some of the others on this list.
Eli is a depiction of innocence corrupted. A combination of both the novel and film version portray Eli as androgynous, suggesting rather than settling on the fact that they are not what they appear to be. They are trapped in this childlike state, cursed with a need to drink and lonely for a companion to share their existence.
Oskar would seem like a perfect fit - he too is bloodthirsty in his own way, hungering to deliver his own justice on the bullies that torment him. Their journey off into the sunset would seem like a happy ending.
Except that it isn't. Oskar is doomed, unless he is turned, to end up as another human slave for Eli. Eli, like any child, needs to be cared for, despite their strengths. Oskar will age; Eli will not.
Let The Right One In is both frightening and saddening in its implication for both Oskar and Eli. The curse is seemingly eternal as there is no mention of 'saving' Eli, though sunlight is shown to be effective. Death is Eli's only escape, while also being the only gift for Oskar.
The film is a triumph, perfectly captured the bleak hope of the novel, setting the bar for modern Vampire films.