Let the Right One In to Exit Tubi’s Free Library Soon

One of Scandinavia’s most unsettling cinematic exports is about to slip away from free streaming. The horror genre is no stranger to bleakness, but few films have managed to unsettle audiences quite like this one. While some titles are notorious for their shock value or supernatural excess, this particular Swedish production stands out for the sheer weight of its narrative. It’s not the gore or the jump scares that linger, but the story’s unflinching gaze into the shadows of adolescence and isolation.

Currently, the film is available to watch gratis on Tubi, but its days there are numbered. The platform’s “Leaving Soon” section now lists the title, though, as is often the case, no precise removal date is given. If past patterns are anything to go by, it’s likely to vanish by the end of January. For those with the stomach for its uncompromising subject matter, there’s still a window to experience it without charge—though not for long.

Darkness Beneath the Surface

Adapted from the Swedish novel of the same name, this film has earned a reputation as one of the most provocative vampire stories ever committed to screen. Tomas Alfredson’s direction brings to life the tale of Oskar, a 12-year-old boy enduring relentless bullying in a drab Stockholm suburb. His world shifts when he meets Eli, a mysterious girl whose arrival coincides with a series of grisly local deaths. The official synopsis puts it plainly:

"When Oskar (Kåre Hedebrant), a sensitive, bullied 12-year-old boy living with his mother in suburban Sweden, meets his new neighbour, the mysterious and moody Eli (Lina Leandersson), they strike up a friendship. Initially reserved with each other, Oskar and Eli slowly form a close bond, but it soon becomes apparent that she is no ordinary young girl. Eventually, Eli shares her dark, macabre secret with Oskar, revealing her connection to a string of bloody local murders."

What sets this story apart isn’t just the bloodshed. The film delves into the grim realities faced by its young protagonists—abuse, loneliness, and the kind of trauma that rarely finds its way into mainstream horror. The source material is even heavier, with the book’s pages filled with harrowing accounts of child abuse, sexual violence, and profound grief. The adaptation doesn’t shy away from these themes, presenting them with a starkness that’s hard to shake off.

Critical Acclaim Amid Controversy

Despite—or perhaps because of—its uncompromising approach, the film has been met with near-universal acclaim. It boasts a 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with viewers frequently describing it as a “masterpiece.” The film’s impact is such that it’s often cited as a benchmark for the genre, even as it unsettles and disturbs in equal measure.

Interestingly, much of the more challenging content was omitted from the American remake, released in 2010 under the title Let Me In. This version, starring Chloë Grace Moretz and Kodi Smit-McPhee, chose to focus more narrowly on the bullying storyline, leaving out significant elements of Eli’s backstory. The remake was well received in its own right, holding an 89% rating, and is also currently available on Tubi for those curious about the differences.

Last Chance to Watch

With its departure from Tubi imminent, this is a rare opportunity to see a film that has both captivated and unsettled audiences worldwide. Its blend of horror and heartbreak, set against the bleak Swedish winter, is not easily forgotten. Those who appreciate cinema that doesn’t flinch from the darkness would do well to catch it before it’s gone.