Oskar & Eli: Star-Crossed Lovers With A Twist
Photos by Jasmin Simmons
Why do we love “star-crossed lovers” stories so much?
There’s nothing people like to consume more than a doomed love story (except maybe serial killer documentaries, in which case you’re in for a treat). The term “star-crossed lovers” conjures up imagery of Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare’s tragic teens who - well, we all know how that story ends. But the term itself refers to two people in love who, for whatever reason, cannot be together. It implies that the stars are working against them, and no matter what they do, outside forces will stop at nothing to keep them apart.
There are many famous tales of tragic love that have captured our hearts and imaginations over the years. From Shakespeare’s aforementioned classic, to Wuthering Heights’ Heathcliff and Cathy, to modern day’s Elio and Oliver from Call Me By Your Name and Jules and Rue from Euphoria. The trope lends itself well to drama, but we bet you didn’t expect it to be the driving force of a horror story?
Let The Right One In is a modern day horror story with a twist. It’s gruesome, sure. There’s murder, bloodshed and a serial killer on the loose. But it’s also a story about the euphoria of first love. Oskar is a bullied teen living with his mum in a bleak apartment building on the outskirts of Stockholm. He’s isolated and lonely until one night he meets the mysterious Eli who’s just moved in next door. Sparks fly as these two lost souls find solace and comfort in their newfound friendship. We’ve all been there: you meet someone new, you start getting butterflies every time you see them, you develop feelings for them, and then they turn out to be an immortal vampire that needs human blood to survive.
“They’re both outsiders, but specifically in relation to each other, they’re both missing something the other has”, William McDonald muses when asked about the relationship between Oskar and Eli. “Oskar personifies the innocence, curiosity and joy for small, deeply human things that Eli almost cannot identify with anymore, and in turn she does the same for Oskar, representing all the things he does not or cannot possess. Her strength, her autonomy and independence are all things he wishes he had.” Sebrina Thornton-Walker describes their relationship as “inevitable”, adding: “their true innermost selves are hidden from everyone. They are really the first people to truly see the other. They each see the soul beneath all of the artificial layers they’ve created to protect and shield.”
On her approach to the characterisation of the enigma Eli, Sebrina says: “I took great care in crafting this character. Reminding myself that she is just a little girl misunderstood by the entirety of humanity, who craves nothing but intimacy and understanding, is a feeling I know quite well. In a way, I’ve lived her life. So bringing as much of my being to her was crucial.” Sebrina perfectly complements Will’s approach to Oskar, which is more emotional. “He’s on the brink of losing control of his emotions when he meets Eli”, says Will. “There’s a lot of anger, angst and darkness building up inside him when we meet him… I think I’ve always been interested in outsiders or people who carry a deep pain inside of them.”
Set in frosty Sweden, Let The Right One In is as beautiful as it is brutal. It deals with themes such as trauma and survival, and how even in the darkest of places, love helps us let the light in. It’s the love story that makes the stakes (pun intended) so high. It’s thrilling to watch Oskar and Eli falling in love for the first time, while the constant threat of danger looms above them. “It’s an exciting challenge as an actor” says Will, “the nature of the text is sparse and bare; so much has to be said with so little words”. Sebrina agrees, describing reading the script for the first time as “intoxicating”, and adding: “It’s very much a show where you immediately move to the front of your seat. It’s almost impossible to relax back into your chair until the final moments, and that will always be the type of work I crave for and aspire to create.”
In stories featuring “star-crossed lovers”, we can’t help but root for the two characters to fight against the odds and be together. What fate awaits Oskar and Eli? You’ll have to book tickets to the show and find out…
Let The Right One In plays at the Eternity Playhouse from 7 October until 20 November. Learn more and book tickets at darlinghursttheatre.com/lettherightonein.