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

One of the most unsettling and talked-about horror films in recent memory is about to vanish from free streaming. While the horror genre is known for exploring humanity’s darkest corners, few movies have managed to stir up as much debate as this Scandinavian masterpiece. When a film is labeled both “dark” and “controversial” within horror circles, it ’s clear it has pushed boundaries in ways that go beyond simple scares. While some might recall the shock value of titles like The Human Centipede or the cultural uproar sparked by The Exorcist and The Omen, the movie at hand stands apart for the disturbing story at its core, not just its horror elements.

The Swedish film Let the Right One In is currently available to watch for free on Tubi, but its days on the platform are numbered. The movie now appears on Tubi’s “Leaving Soon” list, though the service doesn’t specify an exact removal date. All signs point to the film being gone by the end of January. For those willing to confront its intense subject matter, now is the time to catch this chilling tale before it’s gone.

Unraveling a Disturbing Tale

Adapted from the Swedish novel of the same name, Let the Right One In has earned a reputation as one of the most provocative vampire stories ever brought to the screen. Directed by Tomas Alfredson, the film centers on Oskar, a 12-year-old boy struggling with relentless bullying after moving to a new neighborhood in Stockholm. His life takes a dramatic turn when he befriends Eli, a mysterious girl who moves in next door. Their friendship, at first tentative, soon deepens, but it becomes clear that Eli is far from ordinary. The official synopsis describes it as follows:

"When Oskar (Kåre Hedebrant), a sensitive, bullied 12-year-old boy living with his mother in suburban Sweden, meets his new neighbor, 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."

Why the Controversy?

What sets this story apart isn’t just the violence or the supernatural twist. The film dives deep into the pain and trauma experienced by its young characters, tackling themes that are rarely addressed so directly in cinema. The original novel is known for its unflinching portrayal of child abuse, sexual violence, and the raw emotions of grief and depression. The movie adaptation doesn’t shy away from these heavy topics, making it a tough but unforgettable watch.

Despite its disturbing content, audiences and critics alike have praised the film’s artistry and emotional impact. Let the Right One In boasts a near-perfect 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with viewers frequently calling it a “masterpiece.”

The American Remake and What’s Missing

Much of the original’s intensity was toned down in the American remake, Let Me In, released in 2010. Starring Chloë Grace Moretz as Abby (the counterpart to Eli) and Jodi Smit-McPhee as Owen (Oskar’s equivalent), the remake focused more on the bullying aspect and less on the darker elements of Eli’s backstory. While Let Me In was well received, earning an 89% Rotten Tomatoes score, it left out much of what made the Swedish version so controversial. Interestingly, the remake is also available to stream on Tubi.