Spooky Season 2022: What We Do in the Shadows Review

The mockumentary subgenre is a one packed full of hilarious films and television series. The first that may come to mind for many viewers will undoubtedly be such series as The Office US or Parks and Recreation. But the best is one many may not have seen is the 2014 gem What We Do in the Shadows which would of course be later adapted into a series in 2019.

What We Do in the Shadows follows a documentary crew as they follow the lives four vampire roommates named Viago (Waititi), Vladislav (Clement), Deacon (Brugh), and Petyr (Fransham). Viewers get to witness the vampires go about their day-to-day lives, go out on the town and get into street fights but really just hurtling insults between them and werewolves. There is no denying that the film’s humor is uproarious and brilliant. The jokes and references are genius while its documentary style add to the pitch-perfect humor. Waititi and Clement’s exceptional script is arguably one of the most innovative in the last ten years.

Throughout the many decades vampires have been portrayed on screen as terrifying and devilish creatures of the night with many stalking their victims and luring them before feeding on their blood. Then here comes What We Do in the Shadows, a film that makes four vampires somewhat friendly and not at all deadly, no matter how much they all try. The film simply follows them as they try to live normal lives in today’s world. The premise only adds to the genius and hilarity of the film by adding even more layers to this exceptional comedy.

What We Do in the Shadows doesn’t necessarily follow a cohesive story but this is where its strength lies thus setting itself apart. The film instead feels like a few unconnected episodes of a TV series which is probably why it later got adapted as one. This is a remarkable and genius form of storytelling that makes its hilarious humor stand out that much more. Sure, there are connected subplots and character arcs but that’s about it.

At the end of the day, What We Do in the Shadows is undoubtedly one of the best comedies of the past 10 years and quite possibly of all time from its innovative writing, hilarious premise, pitch-perfect comedy, and genius writing. While the film may not have a cohesive story, its different way of storytelling makes for a more enjoyable and compelling experience.

*still courtesy of MUBI*

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Olly Dyche

Journalist, Writer, Film Critic and Professional Nerd. You will probably find Olly at the cinema chomping down on some popcorn and taking in the glorious visuals of the latest theatrical release.