Review: What We Do In The Shadows Brings Vampires Out Of The Darkness
- May 7, 2017
- 2 min read
Vampires, or blood sucking humanoids of some description, have been around for thousands of years. While the vampires we know today originated in the early 19th century, the concept is one that dates back as far as civilisation itself. But what if the vampires lived among us today? Trying to blend in and be accepted, despite the multitude of problems they face. The New Zealand Documentary Board aims to find out.
Viago (Taika Waititi), Deacon (Jonny Brugh), Vladislav (Jemaine Clement) and Petyr (Ben Fransham) are both flatmates and vampire living in Wellington, New Zealand. With a guarantee of safety and a number of crucifixes, a documentary team has been given unprecedented access to their lives and culture in hopes of bringing to light the society that lurks just out of sight.
What We Do In The Shadows is the perfect vampire comedy. It leaves nothing untouched from what is an expansive genre, both historically and within popular culture. Nosferatu, Vlad the Impaler, The Lost Boys, Blade and Hammer Horror is only the surface of what they cover within the first act of the movie. Everything from how vampires get their daily meal of blood, the avoidance of sunlight and the adoption of technology by centuries old undead is tossed in for good measure, and it's pretty funny as well.
While much of the humour stems from the purely ridiculous situation that is unfolding, more than enough is brought about by the solid writing and bizarre acting, most of which consists of Kiwi's doing their best to convince you they're from somewhere in Europe. The mockumentary style helps to make everything feel plausible, despite the fact that you know it isn't, something that's rarely achieved in the genre.
What We Do In The Shadows is yet another great comedy packed with laughs from Taika Waititi (Hunt For The Wilderpeople). If you like vampires and laughing then check out the best spoof movie this decade.
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