What We Do in the Shadows: Movie Review

If the idea behind a mockumentary about a group of vampires residing in a house as roommates sounds appealing to you, then “What We Do in the Shadows” is definitely worth a look. Written, directed, and starring Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi, this is a truly inspired and funny film.

Valadislav (Clement), Viago (Waititi), Deacon (Jonathan Brugh) and Petyr (Ben Frasham) have been living together for hundreds of years. They all get along but like most roommates have their disagreements. Sometimes it can get a bit heated which winds up turning into a floating hissing contest. They spends their nights either going into town to score some living dinner or Deacon’s familiar (Jackie van Beek) will bring some people over to the house as a food delivery.

Things change when Nick (Cori Gonzalez-Macuer) becomes a new member of the vampire household. Although Deacon is none-too-pleased with the new addition, Vladislav and Viago like that Nick is familiar with the current world and that he can teach them about things like the internet and also help get them into the hottest nightclubs. The roommates also have a fondness for Nick’s best friend Stu (Stuart Rutherford) and they all agree not to eat him or turn him into a vampire.

“What We Do in the Shadows” is very clever. Clement and Waititi also love to reference popular vampire movies like “The Lost Boys”. In one scene they try to pull the whole “you’re eating worms” bit from the 1987 classic. Unfortunately the film is getting a limited theatrical release so you might have to drive a bit out of your way to find it on the big screen. If you can find it in your area, it is worth checking out.

By: Marc Ferman