Introduction
The role of proper parenting in the contemporary times cannot be over emphasized. Unfortunately, the majority of parents have become busy with work and other life activities, and in the process, they have forsaken their roles in the growth of their children. Parents should protect their children from the vagaries of societal ills and guide them on the right way towards their destiny.
Regrettably, the majority of children have to stand on their own. In the movie, Let the right one in, Oskar suffers the consequences of a dysfunctional society. His parents, Erik and Yvonne, have separated for unknown reasons. Therefore, Oskar has to create time to be with his parents albeit at different locations. Unfortunately, Erik is a drunkard and he cannot have time for his son, and thus Oskar lacks the much-needed fatherly love and support.
Film Studies
At school, Oskar has to contend with bullying from his classmates. However, he does not have the backing of his parents on how to deal with the issue. Therefore, Oskar resorts to solitude, whereby he collects newspaper reports on murders as a way of forging a revenge mission towards his bullies. He even owns a very large hunting knife, which he keeps safely tucked under his mattress. In addition, Oskar spends most nights thinking of how he can punish his bullies.
Conventionally, Oskar should share his bullying experience with his parents, but they are unavailable. The contemporary society has failed terribly on implementing proper principles of bringing up children in a warm homely environment. Therefore, children end up seeking help from other quarters.
Oskar meets Eli and they become friends instantly. Eli notices a deep cut on Oskar’s cheek, and upon interrogation, she learns that he has been undergoing bullying at school. At this point, the movie points to the inherent faults in bringing up children in the contemporary times.
Conventionally, Oskar should not be seeking help from a strange neighbor, but he has no choice because the people that’s should be listening to him are unavailable. Eli encourages Oskar to defend himself because bullies cannot stand a resolute person. Consequently, Oskar joins a weight building program in a bid to face his bullies.
The movie highlights the consequences of poor parenting. Apparently, when children cannot feel protection from their parents, they will look for a hero to save them from their weaknesses. Even after Oskar realizes that Eli is a vampire, he cannot break the relationship. On the contrary, he feels relieved because he has a hero who can defend him at the times of need. In essence, if Oskar had the necessary guidance and love from his parents, he would have revealed to them Eli’s identity.
Consequently, the parents would have warned him to stay away from her because the consequences of associating with vampires are dire. However, Oskar does not have the privilege of making the right decision based on advice from caring parents. Therefore, he looks at Eli as his savior and he nurtures their relationship with the hope that he will be protected whenever a need arises. True to his expectations, Eli comes to his aid when his bullies attempt to drown him in the school’s swimming pool.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the movie Let the right one in, highlights the outstanding failure of parenting in the contemporary times. Unfortunately, due to poor parenting, children have to deal with societal ills on their own. Oskar has to deal with bullies on his own. Without the right leadership, children make grave mistakes, thus Oskar ends up associating with a vampire, and he cannot break the relationship even after learning of Eli’s identity.