What We Do In The Shadows

What We Do in the Shadows is a 2014 New Zealand-made mockumentary-style comedy-horror film directed by Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi. The movie offers a cackle-inducing look at what happens when the typical horrors of children’s tales and legends are translated into the mundanity of modern life. Featuring the acting prowess of Jemaine Clement, Taika Waititi, Cori Gonzalez-Macuer among others, this film convincingly makes vampires more relatable and laughable than ever before.

The story unfolds in Wellington, New Zealand, spotlighting the everyday lives of a group of vampires sharing a flat who have lived for hundreds of years. While they may be immortal creatures of the night existing in a world of magic and shadows, they are hilariously shown dealing with the droll routine of day-to-day living – just like everyone else. Picture ancient vampires arguing about who is going to do the dishes, struggling with house meetings, and recruiting new members into their covenant while navigating around modern technology.

The cast of characters is colourful and eccentric. There’s Viago, portrayed by Taika Waititi, the 18th-century dandy who’s a stickler for rules and etiquette. Vladislav, an ancient vampire played by Jemaine Clement, who was once a fearsome figure but now struggles with modern life and his fading powers. Living with them are Deacon, portrayed by Jonathan Brugh, the relatively younger vampire with rebellious charm and Petyr (Ben Fransham), whose ancient, Nosferatu-like appearance earns him the basement of the flat, away from the visitors. Additionally, the cast introduces Nick (Cori Gonzalez-Macuer), a recently turned vampire who struggles with his new life and brings Stu (Stuart Rutherford), his human friend, into the vampires' lives.

The storyline takes a twist with the induction of the new vampire, Nick, into the fold. Accustomed to a normal life, his introduction shocks the trio from their age-old vampire traditions. Nick’s nonchalant behaviour, like using his vampire powers to gain popularity and openly admitting to being a vampire, contradicts the existing vampires’ efforts to maintain a low profile. The addition of Stu into the mix introduces an exciting dynamic, as he is human yet strangely loved and protected by the vampire group.

Making skillful use of its mockumentary format, What We Do in the Shadows offers a satirical look into the vampire lore, poking good-natured fun at many tropes associated with the genre. It also perfectly encapsulates and juxtaposes the blend of modern life with that of the supernatural, bringing much of its humour from the vampires' challenges to adapt to the new world. Whether it's going about their night-time routines, engaging in territorial fights with a group of werewolves, or trying to gain entry into nightclubs, the bumbling group of blood-suckers deliver laughs at every turn.

Harnessing the sensational chemistry of the cast, What We Do in the Shadows reinterprets the classic vampire tale with a refreshing comedic twist. The constant interplay between these characters who, despite their supernatural powers and immortality, express very human frustrations and petty rivalries, allows for a host of comedic situations that are rare in the horror genre. Through the film, the audience is cleverly led into a world where these supernatural creatures are both hilarious and heartwarming.

The directors Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi, who also stars in the film, beautifully capture these peculiar characters in their mundane day-to-day routines, resulting in an intimacy that sparks both humor and poignancy. The film's improvisational style, combined with the mockumentary filming technique, further enhances the comedic effect, creating a living-room-like familiarity mixed with absurd horror situations.

What We Do in the Shadows successfully leverages the comedy-horror genre to create a film that's as hilarious as it is inventive. It brings a dose of much-needed humour, sharp wit and satire to the world of nocturnal bloodsuckers, making the film an enjoyable ride that will keep viewers entertained till the very end. Its successful balance of comedy and horror conventions will appeal to fans of both genres, and its clever twist on familiar vampire tropes offers something new and exciting for adventurous viewers.