Let the Right One In ending explained

What happens

At the swimming pool, Conny's brother holds Oskar underwater until Eli arrives and kills his attackers. Oskar then leaves town with her, Eli hidden in a trunk on the train. He has chosen her, whatever she is.

The last image

On the train, Oskar taps Morse code on the trunk where Eli lies hidden, and she answers.

Two readings

1 · A true friendshipTheir bond is real tenderness, and Oskar has finally found someone who sees him.

2 · Håkan all over againOskar may become Eli's next devoted caretaker, giving his life to feed her need.

What it says

The film refuses to settle whether this is rescue or surrender. Oskar escapes his tormentors by joining a killer, and the ending keeps tenderness and monstrousness side by side. It asks what a lonely child will accept for company, and what love costs.