What We Do in the Shadows (2014)

Viago, Deacon and Vladislav are vampires who are finding that modern life has them struggling with the mundane - like paying rent, keeping up with the chore wheel, trying to get into nightclubs and overcoming flatmate conflicts.

Jess’ Review

I’ve been a big fan of What We Do In The Shadows for some time, and despite watching the BBC series together, Sam still hadn’t seen the film. This changed today. And whilst I worry his experience is somewhat biased towards the show and his unshakeable love of Matt Berry, I remain loyal to our lovable vampiric trio, Viago, Deacon and Vladislav. Taika Waititi and Jermaine Clement direct, write and star (as Viago and Vladislav respectively) in the horror-comedy documentary of a group of vampires surviving in the modern world. It’s not a particularly original concept, but it’s execution is refreshing. The mockumentary style is spot on, heightening the comedy and adding a greater element of realism and humanity to these characters. It’s awkward at times in the same way that made The Office (UK) so brilliant, but seems to emit a more light-hearted, wackiness in tone. It’s a little silly at times but undeniably hilarious. The acting is great with the entire cast putting in solid performances. The eccentric leads dominate of course, but Waititi and Clement also offer plenty of attention to the more grounded human characters. Everyone’s new friend Stu (Stu Rutherford) and frustrated familiar Jackie (Jackie Van Beek) provide a slice of 21st century reality, bouncing off the supernatural leads well to cement the film’s universe in the modern era. It’s fun to watch. The filmmakers clearly seem to have a blast poking fun at these age-old supernatural tropes and vampiric legends, splicing them alongside the everyday with humour and charm. Sam pointed out that there isn’t really much of a plot going on, and I hate to admit that he’s right but he’s got a point. So instead, I shall argue that this isn’t a problem. Perhaps there isn’t a solid plot line, but I don’t think it’s necessary here as Shadows is formatted as a documentary. Documentaries don’t always have an explicit plot. Rather they provide an insight, and often a study of character, which is exactly where this film thrives. The housemates and their daily lives are the centrepiece, and as long as you’re not expecting to see them embark on some grandiose journey, I would argue that Shadows is wholly sufficient in its presentation. It doesn’t need plot in the standard sense. And I think it’s structure as a series of events, documented by a faux-camera crew succeed in its aim to engage the audience and evoke laughter. All in all, What We Do In The Shadows is a smart, fresh and quite frankly hilarious comedy. Boasting an unorthodox filming style and a quirky ensemble, it’s a fun way to spend a couple hours in quarantine. A fine example of horror-comedy.

7.5/10

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Sam’s Review

The premise is refreshing, and perhaps a distant descendant of The Office. A documentary crew follow around a group of Vampires in New Zealand, giving us a glimpse into their lives as they struggle with the modern world. It’s the best vampire film I’ve seen, but with the bar set so incredulously low, that isn’t surprising.

Technically, the film shouldn’t work. While there is a story, and a pretty original one at that, there isn’t much in the way of plot. Nothing is pushing the story forward. There are no stakes, good for the vampires (I know, I know...), but bad for the audience. Shadows has an eccentric presence that keeps me entertained, and I’m intrigued throughout, but never immersed fully.

The cast are fantastic, all doing well to buy into the wackiness of the project, which stops it from becoming silly. And they have a great chemistry that compliments the fun dialogue.

Shadows also has fun with the folklore they’ve used for inspiration. They stay true to the fantasy world, while poking fun at some of the more ridiculous tropes. And, remaining surprisingly gory at times.

It’s an intelligent comedy, with some of the laughs coming from the set up opposed to the punchline. If you are a fan of co-writer, co-director Taika Waititi, as I am, then this is a must see. It isn’t his best work, but it’s certainly a polished film that revels in its own quirkiness.

7.5/10