What We Do in the Shadows

In the charming mockumentary-style horror-comedy film, What We Do in the Shadows, writer-directors Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi present a unique and humorous take on the traditional vampire lore. Set in Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand, the film cleverly explores the daily lives of four undead roommates living together in a shared house. The movie opens by introducing the main characters: a group of ancient vampires, all hailing from different eras and backgrounds, forced to coexist in this modern city. Nandor the Relentless (Rhys Darby), a 700-year-old vampire from the Ottoman Empire, is portrayed as a vain and egotistical leader of the household. He's obsessed with reclaiming his former empire and often uses archaic language and behavior, which sometimes confuses the other characters. One of the vampires, Laszlo (Taika Waititi), is a charismatic and elegant creature from 18th-century Budapest. A former opera singer, he's charming and suave, often taking on the role of the group's social director. Laszlo is also obsessed with his appearance and takes pride in his refined taste and culture. Baron Afanas (Jonathan Brugh), another vampire, hails from the 1700s and is portrayed as a somewhat dim-witted but lovable creature. He's often confused about the modern world and struggles to comprehend things like social media and reality TV. The newest addition to the household is Jackie (Karen O'Hearn), a vampire who's only recently been turned by the group. Jackie is a young, enthusiastic, and clumsy creature who's still adjusting to her new immortal life. However, as she tries to navigate this strange new world, she becomes increasingly conflicted between her hipster leanings and the more traditional vampire lifestyle. Throughout the film, the vampires face various challenges as they try to adapt to modern life. They encounter a human, Deacon (Jonathan Young), a young man who becomes their human familiar, essentially acting as their "butler" and help with mundane tasks. Deacon's awkward relationships with the vampires often lead to comedic misunderstandings and awkward interactions. The central plot revolves around the vampires' attempts to navigate the complexities of modern technology, relationships, and social norms. They struggle with things like social media, dating, and household chores, often with disastrous results. In one memorable scene, the group tries to stage a "vampire intervention" for one of their own, a vampire named Colin (Ben Fransham), to prevent him from revealing their true nature to the world. However, the intervention quickly descends into chaos when they realize that Colin has already exposed their secret to the human world. In another scene, the vampires attempt to throw a lavish "masquerade ball" to attract other supernatural creatures to their home. However, the event quickly turns into a disaster when the group realizes that they've attracted a motley crew of creatures who are either not welcome or are simply unimpressed. Throughout the film, What We Do in the Shadows effortlessly blends humor and horror, poking fun at traditional vampire lore while also creating a sense of unease and tension. The film's greatest strength lies in its clever writing, witty dialogue, and outstanding performances from the cast. In conclusion, What We Do in the Shadows is a sidesplitting comedy that offers a refreshing take on the traditional vampire genre. With its hilarious characters, clever plot, and witty humor, the film is a must-watch for fans of horror-comedies and mockumentary-style films. The movie's clever writing and outstanding performances from the cast make it an unforgettable viewing experience that will leave audiences laughing and entertained.