Are you ready for a hilarious and unconventional take on the vampire genre? Look no further than the 2014 mockumentary horror comedy film, What We Do in the Shadows. Directed by Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement, this movie follows the lives of four vampires living together in a flat in Wellington, New Zealand.
With its unique blend of humor, horror, and documentary-style filmmaking, What We Do in the Shadows offers a fresh perspective on the supernatural. The film's quirky characters, witty dialogue, and clever use of camerawork create a truly immersive and entertaining experience. Dive into the world of Viago, Deacon, Vladislav, and Petyr as they navigate the challenges of being vampires in the modern world.
While What We Do in the Shadows is primarily a comedy, it also delves into deeper themes of friendship, acceptance, and the struggles of everyday life. The film's humorously absurd situations and eccentric characters serve as a backdrop for exploring these deeper issues, adding layers of meaning and emotional resonance to the story.
What We Do in the Shadows Movie
Vampires, flatmates, hilarious chaos.
- Mockumentary horror comedy
- Quirky vampire characters
- Witty dialogue, clever camerawork
- Unique blend of humor and horror
- Explored deeper themes
- Friendship, acceptance
- Everyday struggles
- Cult classic status
What We Do in the Shadows has gained a dedicated fan base and is considered a cult classic. Its success has led to a television series of the same name, further expanding the hilarious world of these unconventional vampires.
Mockumentary horror comedy
What We Do in the Shadows masterfully blends the genres of horror and comedy, creating a unique and entertaining experience. Its mockumentary format adds an extra layer of humor and absurdity to the film's already hilarious premise.
- Documentary-style filmmaking:
The film is presented as a documentary, complete with interviews, talking heads, and shaky camera work. This style adds a sense of realism and immediacy to the story, making the viewer feel like they are witnessing the events firsthand.
- Quirky characters:
The film's characters are a motley crew of vampires, each with their own unique quirks and eccentricities. From the fastidious Viago to the bloodthirsty Vladislav, these characters are both hilarious and endearing.
- Witty dialogue:
What We Do in the Shadows is filled with sharp and witty dialogue that keeps the audience laughing throughout the film. The characters' deadpan delivery of absurd lines adds to the film's comedic charm.
- Clever camerawork:
The film's camerawork is often used to comedic effect. Shaky camera movements, awkward framing, and sudden cuts add to the film's mockumentary style and heighten the humor of certain scenes.
The combination of these elements creates a mockumentary horror comedy that is both laugh-out-loud funny and genuinely unsettling. What We Do in the Shadows is a must-watch for fans of horror, comedy, and unique cinematic experiences.
Quirky vampire characters
What We Do in the Shadows introduces a cast of quirky and unforgettable vampire characters, each with their own distinct personality and eccentricities.
Viago: The elegant and refined vampire, Viago is a centuries-old creature who enjoys the finer things in life, such as fine dining and classical music. Despite his age, he is surprisingly naïve and innocent, often finding himself in awkward and hilarious situations.
Deacon: The charismatic and outgoing vampire, Deacon is the life of the party. He loves to socialize and meet new people, and he is always up for a good time. However, his carefree attitude often leads him into trouble, and he is prone to making impulsive decisions.
Vladislav: The brooding and mysterious vampire, Vladislav is a powerful and dangerous creature. He is fiercely loyal to his friends, but he is also capable of great violence. His unpredictable nature makes him a formidable opponent, and his dark past adds an air of intrigue to the film.
Petyr: The youngest and most inexperienced vampire of the group, Petyr is still learning the ropes of being a vampire. He is eager to please his older roommates, but he often finds himself overwhelmed by the challenges of vampire life. His youthful exuberance and lack of experience often lead to comedic mishaps.
These four vampires, with their unique personalities and quirks, create a hilarious and endearing ensemble that drives the film's humor and heart. Their interactions with each other and their attempts to navigate the modern world lead to countless laugh-out-loud moments.
Witty dialogue, clever camerawork
What We Do in the Shadows is filled with witty dialogue that keeps the audience laughing throughout the film. The characters' deadpan delivery of absurd lines adds to the film's comedic charm. Here are some examples of the film's witty dialogue:
- "I think he's trying to say that he wants to drink your blood." - Viago, referring to a human who has just offered them a drink.
- "We're vampires. We don't do dishes." - Deacon, explaining why they don't have any clean dishes to serve their guests.
- "I'm a 300-year-old vampire. I'm not going to be lectured by a teenager." - Vladislav, to Petyr, who is trying to convince him to change his ways.
The film's camerawork is also used to comedic effect. Shaky camera movements, awkward framing, and sudden cuts add to the film's mockumentary style and heighten the humor of certain scenes. For example, when the vampires are trying to hide from a group of humans, the camera frantically jumps from one hiding spot to another, creating a sense of panic and chaos.
In another scene, the camera lingers on a close-up of a character's face as they deliver a particularly absurd line, emphasizing the comedic impact of the moment.
The combination of witty dialogue and clever camerawork creates a hilarious and memorable cinematic experience that keeps the audience entertained from beginning to end.
Unique blend of humor and horror
What We Do in the Shadows masterfully blends the genres of horror and comedy, creating a unique and unforgettable cinematic experience. Here are some key elements that contribute to the film's successful fusion of these two genres:
- Vampires as everyday characters:
The film presents vampires as ordinary individuals trying to navigate the challenges of everyday life, such as paying rent, doing chores, and dealing with annoying neighbors. This mundane portrayal of vampires creates a sense of familiarity and relatability, making the horror elements all the more unsettling.
- Deadpan delivery of absurd lines:
The characters' deadpan delivery of absurd lines adds to the film's comedic charm. Even in the midst of terrifying situations, the vampires maintain their nonchalant demeanor, which creates a hilarious contrast between the horror and the humor.
- Awkward and uncomfortable moments:
The film is filled with awkward and uncomfortable moments that elicit both laughter and cringes from the audience. These moments often arise from the vampires' attempts to adapt to modern society, such as their struggles with technology or their awkward interactions with humans.
- Sudden shifts in tone:
What We Do in the Shadows frequently shifts from humor to horror and back again, often within the same scene. These sudden shifts in tone keep the audience on edge, never quite sure what to expect next. The film's ability to seamlessly blend these two genres creates a truly unique and entertaining experience.
The combination of these elements creates a horror comedy that is both laugh-out-loud funny and genuinely unsettling. What We Do in the Shadows is a must-watch for fans of both genres, as it offers a fresh and innovative take on the vampire genre.
Explored deeper themes
While What We Do in the Shadows is primarily a comedy, it also delves into deeper themes that add emotional depth and resonance to the story. These themes are woven into the narrative through the characters' interactions and experiences:
Friendship and acceptance:
Despite their differences, the four vampires in the film form a strong bond of friendship. They accept each other for who they are, even with their quirks and flaws. This theme is particularly evident in the relationship between Viago and Deacon, who come to rely on each other for support and companionship.
The struggles of everyday life:
The film humorously depicts the vampires' struggles with everyday tasks, such as paying rent, doing chores, and dealing with annoying neighbors. These mundane challenges add a relatable element to the story, making the vampires more sympathetic and human.
The nature of good and evil:
What We Do in the Shadows raises questions about the nature of good and evil. The vampires are presented as both sympathetic and monstrous, capable of great kindness and great cruelty. The film challenges the audience's preconceived notions of good and evil, blurring the lines between the two.
The search for meaning in life:
Despite their immortality, the vampires in the film grapple with existential questions about the meaning of life. They question their purpose and their place in the world. These themes add a layer of depth to the film, exploring the universal human desire for meaning and fulfillment.
These deeper themes add emotional weight and resonance to What We Do in the Shadows, making it more than just a simple horror comedy. The film invites the audience to reflect on these themes and consider their own lives and relationships.
Friendship, acceptance
One of the most heartwarming aspects of What We Do in theDarkness is the strong bond of friendship between the four vampire flatmates. Despite their different personalities and quirks, they genuinely care for and support each other.
Viago and Deacon:
The relationship between Viago and Deacon is the emotional core of the film. Viago is the more refined and sophisticated vampire, while Deacon is the life of the party. Despite their differences, they share a deep bond and are always there for each other. They confide in each other, offer advice, and help each other through difficult times.
Vladislav and Petyr:
While Vladislav and Petyr have a more adversarial relationship, they also show moments of genuine care and concern for each other. Vladislav, the older and more experienced vampire, often acts as a mentor and guide to the younger and more naive Petyr. Despite their disagreements and power struggles, they ultimately have each other's backs.
The power of friendship:
The friendship between the four vampires is a source of strength and resilience for them. It helps them overcome challenges, cope with loneliness, and find joy in their undead lives. Their friendship is a reminder that even in the most unconventional of circumstances, it is possible to find love, support, andAcceptance.
The theme of friendship and acceptance is particularly relevant in the context of the vampire genre, which often portrays vampires as isolated and lonely creatures. What We Do in theDarkness subverts these expectations by showing that even vampires can find friendship, community, and a sense of belonging.
Everyday struggles
Despite their supernatural powers and eternal lives, the vampires in What We Do in the Shadows must still contend with the mundane challenges of everyday life. These struggles add a relatable and humorous element to the film, making the vampires more sympathetic and human.
- Paying rent and bills:
Like all responsible adults, the vampires need to pay rent and bills to keep their flat. They often struggle to make ends meet, and they sometimes resort to creative methods to earn money, such as selling vampire memorabilia or starting a vampire nightclub.
- Doing chores:
Even vampires have to do chores. They take turns cleaning the flat, doing laundry, and cooking meals. These mundane tasks are often a source of conflict and humor, as the vampires have different standards of cleanliness and different tastes in food.
- Dealing with annoying neighbors:
The vampires' flat is located in a bustling neighborhood, and they often have to deal with annoying neighbors. These neighbors include a loud and obnoxious family, a nosy old lady, and a group of rowdy college students. The vampires' attempts to deal with these neighbors often lead to hilarious and awkward situations.
- Coping with loneliness:
Despite their friendship and camaraderie, the vampires sometimes feel lonely and isolated. They long for human connection, but they are afraid of revealing their true nature to humans. This inner conflict adds a layer of pathos to the film and makes the vampires more relatable.
The everyday struggles of the vampires in What We Do in the Shadows serve to humanize them and make them more relatable to the audience. These struggles add a layer of depth and realism to the film, making it more than just a simple horror comedy.
Cult classic status
What We Do in the Shadows has achieved cult classic status since its release in 2014. This means that it has gained a dedicated and enthusiastic fan base who appreciate its unique blend of humor, horror, and documentary-style filmmaking.
There are several factors that have contributed to the film's cult status:
Strong word-of-mouth:
What We Do in the Shadows received positive reviews from critics upon its release, but it was the strong word-of-mouth from fans that helped it gain a wider audience. Fans praised the film's originality, humor, and quotable dialogue. This positive word-of-mouth led to increased interest in the film and helped it build a dedicated fan base.
Relatable characters:
Despite their supernatural powers and eternal lives, the vampires in What We Do in the Shadows are relatable and human. They struggle with everyday problems like paying rent, doing chores, and dealing with annoying neighbors. This relatability makes the film more accessible and enjoyable for audiences.
Unique and innovative filmmaking:
What We Do in the Shadows is a unique and innovative film that blends horror, comedy, and documentary-style filmmaking in a way that had never been done before. This unique approach to filmmaking has helped the film stand out from the crowd and attract a loyal fan base.
Cultural impact:
What We Do in the Shadows has had a significant cultural impact. The film has been referenced in popular culture, including in other films, TV shows, and even video games. It has also inspired a television series of the same name, which has further expanded the film's fan base.
What We Do in the Shadows is a truly unique and entertaining film that has earned its cult classic status. Its blend of humor, horror, and innovative filmmaking has won over audiences worldwide, and it continues to be enjoyed by fans old and new.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about the film What We Do in the Shadows:
Question 1: What is What We Do in the Shadows about?
Answer 1: What We Do in the Shadows is a mockumentary horror comedy film that follows the lives of four vampires living together in a flat in Wellington, New Zealand. The film humorously explores the challenges of being a vampire in the modern world, such as paying rent, doing chores, and dealing with annoying neighbors.
Question 2: Who directed What We Do in the Shadows?
Answer 2: What We Do in the Shadows was directed by Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement.
Question 3: Who stars in What We Do in the Shadows?
Answer 3: The main cast of What We Do in the Shadows includes Jemaine Clement, Taika Waititi, Jonathan Brugh, Ben Fransham, and Cori Gonzalez-Macuer.
Question 4: What makes What We Do in the Shadows unique?
Answer 4: What We Do in the Shadows is unique in its blend of horror and comedy, as well as its use of documentary-style filmmaking. The film's quirky characters, witty dialogue, and clever camerawork also set it apart from other vampire films.
Question 5: Has What We Do in the Shadows won any awards?
Answer 5: Yes, What We Do in the Shadows has won several awards, including the Audience Award for Best Midnight Madness Film at the 2014 Toronto International Film Festival and the Best Film Award at the 2015 New Zealand Film Awards.
Question 6: Is there a television series based on What We Do in the Shadows?
Answer 6: Yes, a television series based on What We Do in the Shadows premiered on FX in 2019. The television series follows the same characters as the film and continues their hilarious misadventures.
Question 7: Where can I watch What We Do in the Shadows?
Answer 7: What We Do in the Shadows is available to stream on various platforms, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu. You can also purchase or rent the film on DVD or Blu-ray.
Closing Paragraph for FAQ:
We hope this FAQ has answered some of your questions about What We Do in the Shadows. If you haven't seen the film yet, we highly recommend checking it out. It's a hilarious and unique take on the vampire genre that is sure to entertain you.
In addition to watching the film and television series, there are other ways to enjoy the world of What We Do in the Shadows. You can follow the cast and crew on social media, listen to the official soundtrack, and even purchase merchandise inspired by the film.
Tips
Here are some tips for enjoying What We Do in the Shadows to the fullest:
Tip 1: Watch the film with friends:
What We Do in the Shadows is a hilarious film that is even more enjoyable when watched with friends. You can laugh together at the film's many jokes and discuss your favorite moments afterwards.
Tip 2: Pay attention to the details:
What We Do in the Shadows is full of clever details and Easter eggs. Keep an eye out for subtle jokes and references to other vampire films. You may also notice some interesting things in the background of the shots.
Tip 3: Listen to the soundtrack:
The soundtrack of What We Do in the Shadows is an eclectic mix of songs that perfectly complements the film's tone. You can find the soundtrack on Spotify, iTunes, and other streaming platforms.
Tip 4: Follow the cast and crew on social media:
The cast and crew of What We Do in the Shadows are active on social media. Follow them to get behind-the-scenes photos and videos, learn about upcoming projects, and interact with other fans of the film.
Closing Paragraph for Tips:
We hope these tips help you enjoy What We Do in the Shadows even more. Whether you're a fan of horror comedies, vampire films, or just great storytelling, this film is sure to entertain you.
What We Do in the Shadows is a unique and hilarious film that has gained a dedicated fan base. If you haven't seen it yet, we highly recommend checking it out. And if you're already a fan, we hope these tips have given you some new ways to enjoy the film.
Conclusion
What We Do in the Shadows is a unique and hilarious film that has gained a dedicated fan base. The film's blend of horror and comedy, its quirky characters, and its clever use of camerawork and documentary-style filmmaking set it apart from other vampire films.
The film also explores deeper themes such as friendship, acceptance, and the struggles of everyday life. These themes add emotional depth and resonance to the story, making the film more than just a simple horror comedy.
Whether you're a fan of horror, comedy, or just great storytelling, What We Do in the Shadows is a film that you're sure to enjoy. It's a film that will stay with you long after you've finished watching it.
Closing Message:
So if you're looking for a film that will make you laugh, scare you, and make you think, then What We Do in the Shadows is the perfect film for you. Check it out today and see why it's become a cult classic.