What We Do in the Shadows

What We Do in the Shadows is an American television series that premiered on FX in March 2019. The series is a mockumentary-style comedy-horror show that blends together various genres, satirical humour, and offbeat wit to create a delightful narrative that has enchanted audiences worldwide.

The series is based on the 2014 New Zealand film of the same name, written, directed, and starred by Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi. The premise explores the everyday lives of four vampire roommates who have lived together for several hundred years in Staten Island, New York. Clement is also involved in the TV series, serving as a creator, writer, and executive producer.

The series stars Kayvan Novak, Matt Berry, Natasia Demetriou, Harvey Guillén, and Mark Proksch. Notably, Rhys Darby, who has a small role in the original film, reprises his role in the series. Other notable actors who appear in the series include Jemaine Clement, Mario Gaoa, Taika Waititi, Ian Harcourt, Jonny Brugh, Ben Fransham, Jason Hoyte, Cohen Holloway, Duncan Sarkies, Nathan Meister, Mike Minogue, Karen O'Leary, and Jackie van Beek. Their performances lend an eccentric charm and authenticity to the series.

In What We Do In The Shadows, the vampire roommates attempt to fit into modern society while dealing with the supernatural politics of the undead. This showcases a blend of domestic comedy with supernatural folklore that generates an abundance of laughs, chills and thrills. From mundane activities like paying rent, attending neighborhood council meetings, and dealing with roommate conflicts, to exotic undertakings including clandestine vampire feasts, centuries-old grudges, and navigating the hierarchy of the undead, the show delves into every facet of vampire life, threading it with a unique, self-deprecating humor.

The mockumentary format allows the audience to access the private lives of these vampires, directly revealing their idiosyncrasies, old-world sensibilities, and inherent comic foibles. Each episode typically involves the roommates navigating some aspect of modern life or the supernatural world, often resulting in humorous and absurd situations. This clever blend of vampire lore, hilarious dialogue, unique visual humor and fantastic performances from the talented cast make for entertaining television.

The set design helps to set the tone for the series, from the eerily gothic and untamed vampire household, a stately Staten Island mansion cluttered with artifacts from different eras, to the urban setting of New York’s Staten Island. This, coupled with the show's sharp writing, helps to create an immersive world that is both eerily atmospheric and hilariously mundane.

Despite being supernatural beings, these vampires are surprisingly relatable. Their endeavours, although absurd and punctuated by vampiric customs, resonate with the viewers on a human level due to their comic undertone and commentary about the dreariness of daily life, the ups and downs of personal relationships and the struggle to fit in.

The series garners critical acclaim for its distinct humour, fresh takes on vampire mythology, and stellar performances. It appeals not only to fans of the original film, but also to viewers who enjoy quirky, offbeat humor, compelling characters, and supernatural tales with a twist. The ensemble cast delivers standout performances, infusing their characters with distinctive personalities and exaggerated comic flair that are both appealing and memorable.

To sum it up, What We Do in the Shadows is a deliciously dark, whimsically witty, and brilliantly executed comedic exploration of vampire lore in a contemporary setting. Its artful blend of horror and comedy, along with its sharply-written scripts and charismatic performances, make it an innovative and entertaining watch that leaves viewers eagerly awaiting the next bite.