The Best Horror Film of the Year?

While vampire fiction often takes a lot of chances and tries new things, you don't see that kind of experimentation as often in film. Most vampire films of late have focused either on gore, action, or comedy in moving the story along. That doesn't mean that some of those films aren't great fun -- but most of them haven't done anything to break the mold.

"Let the Right On In," on the other hand, very much does break the mold. While not the scariest vampire film ever made, it is one of the most involving, and ultimately, one of the most unforgettable. A tale of a shy 12-year-old boy bullied at school who befriends his vampiric next-door-neighbor (also 12 years old -- although she's been that age a long time), this is a vampire film that relies almost entirely on fleshing out (so to speak) fully three-dimensional characters and using relationships and emotions to drive the narrative, rather than laughs or action pieces.

And make no mistake -- while it's about 12-year olds, this is not a film for kids by any stretch of the imagination.

It may or may not get to your city -- since it's subtitled, it's unlikely to get a very wide release. And there is a U.S. remake on the horizon. But trust me -- this is not one you want to ignore. See it now, or see it when it hits DVD. But 30 years from now, this will still be remembered as one of the most important vampire films of all time.

Trailer is below.