Låt den rätte komma in (Let the Right One In)

This was the film I regretted most missing at this year's Fantastic Fest. Everyone I spoke to who saw it called it the best film of the festival, an opinion that was ratified by its receipt of the audience award. Since then, the film has continued to win accolades, most recently inclusion on the Austin Film Society's top-ten list for 2008.

With a limited release including Austin, it's time to soak this in. For all the cold, darkness, and stillness, both in the brilliantly-frigid cinematography and in the souls of the characters, the film is filled with a warmth of devotion. This film starts with a slow build, and never really ramps up the pace, but it doesn't need to; it go just far enough and gets there is just the right time. I have to give credit to the author/screenwriter, director, and editors for such wonderful pacing.

If you have a chance to see this film, please, let it in.

Låt den rätte komma in (Let the Right One In)
2008, 114 minutes, directed by Tomas Alfredson

Secret Window

This is Johnny Depp at his character actor best. Build a character that the audience likes so much, it doesn't matter where it goes.

Secret Window
2004, 104 minutes, directed by David Koepp