What We Do in the Shadows
Directed by Jemaine Clement, Taika Waititi
Starring Jemaine Clement, Taika Waititi, Jonathan Brugh
Review by Jordan
What We Do in the Shadows is as insubstantial as it is relentlessly hilarious; utilizing a breezy mockumentary format to introduce us to the surprisingly monotonous world of the Wellington vampire and never threatening to spoil the fun by being either too dark or too ambitious. In settling into a humorous vibe punctuated with understandably macabre instances of violence, Taika Waititi‘s third feature film (co-directed by Flight of the Conchords’ favourite Jemaine Clement) after the little-seen Eagle vs Shark (2007) and much-loved Boy (2010) stands as the brightest highlight on his CV and one of the most blatantly enjoyable horror comedies of the decade.
Like many others, I’m tired of every half decent, funny horror film since 2004 being compared to Shaun of the Dead, but this NZ production owing equal debts to both Nosferatu and This is Spinal Tap really is deserving of it… even if it doesn’t feature any Time Splitters 2 references…
What We Do in the Shadows focuses on a lair (flat) of blood-suckers hotly anticipating the annual ball that brings all creatures of the night together, and their daily struggles including kitchen cleanliness, wardrobe dilemmas and getting “invited” to nightclubs. Viago (Waititi) is the most responsible, though also least-vampiric of the group, whose main objective is to keep the couch clean of blood. Vladislav (Clement) was once one of the most feared figures in the shadows, renowned for his torturous “poking,” but lost his mojo when defeated by his eternal nemesis. Deacon (Jonathan Brugh) is a libertine and wary of any outsiders and Petyr (Ben Fransham) is thousands of years old… and its starting to show.
The foundations of the group threaten to derail when Petyr turns dinner into a member of the fraternity, but things look up when the new blood, Nick (Cori Gonzalez-Macuer) introduces the gang to his mate Stu (Stuart Rutherford – holder of one of the smallest IMDb profiles you’ll ever see), an IT consultant with rosy red cheeks who is just so darn likeable. He will confront socially responsible werewolves, inquisitive zombies and the changing nature of his best friend, but Stu is still happy to tag along and help where he can.
Short, slight and shallow? Tick. Funny? Tick, tick and tick. Sometimes funny is all you need, and when you’re laughing out loud at the simple sight of someone vacuum cleaning or looking at pictures of sunrises on the internet, you know you’re in luck.
This sounds great and just my cup of tea. I never heard of it, but I will be on the lookout for it now. Thanks for the head’s up!!
Joan
Hey Joan, no worries! Am sure you’d enjoy it too!
Jordan
That does sound like an excellent film. I loved Eagle vs Shark, so can’t wait to see it!
Oh no doubt you’ll love it then! Think its the best thing all have been involved in.
Jordan
Haha they’re looking at pictures of sunrises on the internet?!? That is so adorably funny!
It sounds really hilarious! You’re right sometimes all you need is a bit of fun!! Zombies, werewolves and vampires getting together for an annual ball.. precious! 🙂
Haha its the little touches that make it so enjoyable!
Hopefully you like it too if you catch it!
Jordan
I saw this a few weeks back, fun flick, I’m eager to see it again when it’s released on blu-ray! Great write-up!
Oh I’m glad you felt the same, I’m very keen to see it again too!
Jordan
Eagle Vs. Shark was really good, so I think I will get this (if it’s available). Never heard of Boy though.
Oh Boy was a big hit in NZ, an offbeat coming of age tale. Recommend both!
Jordan
Both are hard to come by in the UK, but I’ll try my darndest.
Looks like a riot. Wonder if I’ll be able to find it in the UK.
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Just watched this again the other night, such a good movie