Movie Review: What We Do In The Shadows

Source: IMDB

"What We Do in the Shadows" is a mockumentary horror-comedy film that was written, directed, and acted by Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement. The film tells the story of four vampires who share a flat in Wellington, New Zealand, as they navigate their way through the challenges of modern society.

The film is a hilarious parody of the vampire genre, as it pokes fun at many of the common tropes and cliches of traditional vampire films. The four main vampires, Vladislav (Clement), Viago (Waititi), Deacon (Jonathan Brugh), and Petyr (Ben Fransham), are all centuries-old and have a hard time adjusting to the modern world. They struggle with simple tasks like doing the dishes or finding new victims to feed on, and their attempts to fit in with society often end in hilarious disaster.

The film's mockumentary style allows the audience to see the vampires' lives up close and personal, as the camera crew follows them around and interviews them about their daily routines. This leads to some incredibly funny moments, as the vampires reveal their peculiar habits and preferences, such as Viago's obsession with keeping the flat clean and Vladislav's love for BDSM.

As the story progresses, the housemates must navigate various challenges, including dealing with a group of werewolves and trying to throw a successful party without killing any of their guests.

The film's humor is a mix of absurdity, satire, and slapstick comedy, which all work well together. There are several running gags throughout the film that will have viewers laughing out loud, such as the vampire's inability to enter a home without being invited, or their obsession with wearing capes.

The film's visual effects are also impressive, particularly when it comes to the vampire's powers. Watching the housemates fly through the night sky or transform into bats is both amusing and visually stunning.

One of the most impressive aspects of "What We Do in the Shadows" is how it manages to balance humor with heart. While the film is undoubtedly a comedy, there are several poignant moments that give the characters depth and make the audience care about them.

For example, when Viago reconnects with his lost love, we see a side of him that is vulnerable and romantic. Similarly, when Vladislav confronts his arch-nemesis, "The Beast," we see a character who is struggling with his past and trying to move on.

The film's pacing is also excellent, with the plot moving along at a brisk pace, keeping the audience engaged throughout. The documentary format allows for several breaks in the action, which are filled with interviews with the housemates or historical flashbacks that make you teary eyed.

I genuinely recommend this film to all lovers of vampire folklore. It's everything you don't want to see in a Vampire movie but you'll love it all. Today, a cult-classic, "What We do in the Shadows" is your next favourite.