We, The Infected

Hi !

What Eli and Oscar are thinking ?

This is grief. They both know Eli can't stay.

They both know it's over, back to lonely & empty existences for the both of them.

for me, it's all the external (humans, society, etc.) that would break their loving relationship, they're thinking about that and they're starting to looking for a solution...

That they both have to say goodbye and go back to where they started. To living their former existence.

In addition, there might be a bit of embarrassment and self-conscious shame for both Oskar and Eli because now Oskar has seen Eli's vampiric state of being "in the flesh" and there is no hiding the reality of it, a "Naked Lunch," so to speak.

This is one of my favorite parts of the film. Eli and Oskar's relationship is solidified and deeply imprinted in both of them. Losing each other means losing a large part of themselves. Although they are right next to each other they already feel the loss. It's so sad. JAL hit the center of the target with the way he wrote this scene in the screenplay and Alfredson as well with the way he directed it.

Also worth noting, I love the events preceding and thus leading up to this moment. Eli walking out of the bathroom and hugging a frightened and overwhelmed Oskar from behind, Eli telling Oskar he has to go away, and especially the kiss. The most beautiful kiss I've every seen on film. So filled with love (a total understatement), yet done with the asexual innocence of preadolescent childhood. In fact, I think it's the asexuality that makes the kiss so strong. They're not seeking to satisfy sexual desires for the sake of pleasure, they are delving into the deeply rooted emotional connection/bond they have formed. So perfect.

I'll briefly mention that the book has them cuddle unclothed in bed for an extended period of time (also asexual) and hold onto each other while standing dressed in the middle of the room shortly after. They just couldn't get enough of each other and knowing that this was their last time together (as far as they knew) brought all of their deeply rooted feelings to the surface. And the kiss they share afterwards, the thoughts Eli conveys to Oskar...simply breathtaking. When I think about JAL's wording I feel the tears forming under my eyelids. Mmm...just wow.

As part of that asexual and innocent relationship, it's interesting to note that nowhere in the novel or film does either one actually say "I love you", despite that they clearly were, in a puppyish though sincere way.
I suppose saying the phrase for the very first time is exceedingly difficult without any prior experiences with which to compare it, as it was for all of us at that age.
Although Oskar did recognise something "big" was happening between them.
"Oskar closed his eyes and knew: this was big. Light from the out-side lamp filtered in through his closed eyelids and created a red membrane in front of his eyes. The biggest."

Ash wrote:As part of that asexual and innocent relationship, it's interesting to note that nowhere in the novel or film does either one actually say "I love you", despite that they clearly were, ...

Maybe "I love you" need more time with the other one too, the emotionnal brain can showing love but say "I love you" need more reflexion and admit that we love. Intense emotional moments can accelerate this time. I do the difference of fall in love and say "I love you".

Another reason is the kiss from Eli is more powerfull with fact (kiss) than speaking, say "I love you" is not necessary if facts showing the love for me.

@Ash: have you a better definition of the last photo ?

Ash, I see what you're saying, but I connect more with Cha's take on this. I feel like Eli and Oskar saying the words "I love you" isn't necessary and even a bit superficial. Saying "I love you" would, to me, be taking what they express to each other every moment they're together and confining it to the box of those three words. It would feel like a hollow/needless statement to me. I'm not saying their love is hollow, but I kind of feel like those three words are because their connection is so much deeper than "I love you". I couldn't imagine it crossing their minds to say what's so obvious; to take a connection so deep and attempt to place it in a mere "I love you". I feel like those words would downplay/underemphasize their relationship...not take it seriously enough.

Now, this is, of course, one man's opinion. I just feel rather strongly about it I hope I didn't come off harshly I do say I love you to my own loved ones, but, to me, it just doesn't feel right here. In fact I may have just convinced myself to either say it less (I feel like my family throws it around so much it loses its significance) or stop altogether.

I just went on a deep, personal emotional journey. Consider it as if I've been talking to myself this whole time