“What We Do in the Shadows” is quite possibly the cutest movie—or rather ‘documentary’ on vampires and werewolves—that I’ve ever seen. But at the same time, it has moments of blood and gore. Therefore, you’ve been warned.
The story follows a group of vampires- Viago (Taika Waititi), Vladislav the pervy poker (Jemaine Clement), Deacon (Jonathan Brughe), and Petyr (the oldest vampire among them, modeled after Nosferatu and played by Ben Fransham). The film chronicles the four vampires’ everyday life, filmed as they go about their various ‘vampirely duties’. These include feeding on humans; dressing up for parties to hit the hottest vampire nightclubs; sleeping by day; performing erotic dances for each other when they’re bored; ensnaring virgins; practicing hypnosis; and shape shifting. All these come to a head, however, with the arrival of human Nick (Cori Gonzalez-Macuer), who changes their lives for the better and for worse.
Written and directed by pre-Oscar, “Jojo Rabbit”- fame Taika Waititi (and co-written with Jemaine Clement); “What We Do in the Shadows” uses a mockumentary format like the TV show “The Office.” Except this time, the office workers have been replaced with vampires, werewolves, and a sweet, shy human IT guy named Stu. Also, think of the Dunder Mifflin office of Scranton (or Slough, for those familiar with the UK version of The Office) getting the boot in favor of a flat in modern-day Wellington, New Zealand that serves as the vampires’ nest. Et voila—you’ve got this movie.
Jonathan Brugh and Ben Fransham in a scene from “What We Do in the Shadows.” Photo: Madman Entertainment (2014)
“What We Do in the Shadows”: A Refreshing (and Humanizing) Take on Vampires on Film
Simplistic yet quirky, “What We Do in the Shadows” offers quite a unique look at vampires that differs from how the ‘Twilight’ films depict them. You could say the movie humanizes even your most horrific monsters and portrays them in a manner that’ll make you sympathize with them. It’s emotional to see Viago unable to be with the love of his life due to a silly postal error; or when he has second thoughts about tearing out the throat of a naive young victim who has hopes and dreams (or rather, she had hopes and dreams before Viago lured her into his lair).
In addition, the acting is believable and everyone plays their roles very well. A lot of the humor was apparently improvised; there are even tons of deleted comedic moments that didn’t make the cut which you can find online. The movie also throws in a lot of pop culture references; which include Deacon referencing a gross scene from “The Lost Boys” as inspiration for one of his devious pranks.
The movie neatly develops the characterization of each vampire to have their own traits. Obviously, Viago is the ‘mother’ of the group as he’s protective and doting and likes to order his flat-mates around. Deacon, on the other hand, can get a bit moody much like a child; Petyr is spooky and grumpy with a penchant for turning everyone around him into vampires; and Vlad is the sexy and cool one. I also love the movie’s haunting and gothic atmosphere, along with its use of practical effects for the gory scenes.
Jemaine Clement in a scene from “What We Do in the Shadows.” Photo: Madman Entertainment (2014)
A Delightful and Rewatchable Treat of a Film
All in all, “What We Do in the Shadows” falls under films one can watch time and again; and like its bloodsucking protagonists, it is ageless, hilarious, and extremely enjoyable. As I write this, I’ve already watched it for more than ten times. So, go ahead, curl up on your couch with a plate of warm worms—I mean, ahem, spaghetti; and let the charm of these three bloodsucking besties and their nerve-wrecking antics draw you in.
And if you feel like going the extra mile, there’s also a spin-off show titled “Wellington Paranormal”; as well as a hilarious Hulu show by the same name produced and written by Waititi (currently in its third season). These contain double the pop culture references and also feature occasional cameos from the original cast which I highly recommend as well.
You can stream “What We Do in the Shadows” on Fubo TV via subscription, or rent from Apple TV.
Support the Site: Consider becoming a sponsor to unlock exclusive, member-only content and help support The Movie Buff!
