What do you get when you combine vampires, friendship and coming of age? You get an edgy horror-romance flick revolving around two teens set cold Sweden. With just the right amount of comedy, suspense and blood, the plot and characters develop well. The cinematography adds so much to the mood with its extreme wide angle shots and beautiful snowy landscapes. I never realized how snow and cold weather can add drama, suspense and mystery. Then I remembered the same sort of thing in The Shining. The casting of the two leads was perfect. They are peculiar and loveable characters.
(Spoiler Alert: Read at Your Own Risk!)
As the friendship between Oskar and Eli develops, we get clues that all isn't right w/ Eli, such as her ragged clothes, the fact she's never out in the daylight and her "smell" as noted by Oskar. Oskar is a bullied loner with a striking likeness to a young Kurt Cobain.
As Oskar's bullying increases, Eli encourages him to fight back and as Oskar obeys, the crescendo builds for the ultimate revenge and a great ending.
This was a SIFF selection. It'd be surprising if this little gem wasn't picked up, so keep your eyes open for it. It is a definite MUST-SEE. For more info, see http://www.siff.net/festival/film/detail.aspx?id=27384&FID=64.
Themes: Friendship, first love, revenge, loneliness, vampires
1-5 Scale: 5...top marks!
No comments:
Post a Comment