Review of What We Do in the Shadows (2014) by Jonas P — 07 Mar 2015

Humour of the darker and more subtle variant typically works best for me. What We Do in the Shadows is not only clever in its writing, but also highly effective in its comedic timing.

The mockumentary approach isn't exactly a new thing, but it's very well executed here in terms of camera work, flow in dialogue and set design. The premise of four vampires living together in a flat and dealing with undeath rather than life is a delight to watch and follow even though it's mainly played for laughs. The main characters Vladislav, Viago, Deacon and Petyr (even though not getting to do as much) are portrayed superbly by Jemaine Clement, Taika Waititi, Jonathan Brugh and Ben Fransham, and each have their brilliant moments. Viago for instance is the archetypical gentleman who makes sure his victims have a good time before placing his fangs into their necks. I figured that Vladislav would be my favourite character, but I grew to love all of them as a whole, convinced they've been friends literally forever.

One thing that bothered me though was one of the side characters. Nick, played by Cori Gonzalez-Macuer, is visiting the four vampires unknowingly being prepared to become dinner for them. When he finds out, he is reacting kind of stiff to the situation. But then again how would one react if it actually happened. Without spoiling he becomes their friend in a somewhat complicated manner and he grows from there, pulling off a good performance for the rest of the flick.

The film even briefly get into the main characters' background and introduces other creatures further ahead, such as werewolves and zombies, as I'm sure we're not used to see them in fiction. I wouldn't mind if the movie put some more time to them as well, such as a couple short interviews, as I don't think that would detract too much from the main storyline.

Lastly I'd like to mention that the film makes clever use of visual and practical effects. They are quite well made, few in between and mainly shown in glimpses, which keeps in tone with the rest of the film. Related to that What We Do in the Shadows even contains effective horror scenes, blending seamlessly with the rest.

In short it's a wonderful movie and you should watch it if you're the least bit interested in vampire lore.