What We Do in the Shadows: A Hilarious Deep Dive into Vampire Roommate Life
What We Do in the Shadows, the mockumentary series based on the 2014 film of the same name, has captivated audiences with its unique blend of horror and humor. The show, created by Jemaine Clement, offers a hilarious and surprisingly poignant look into the lives of four vampire roommates navigating the modern world in Staten Island. This article will delve into the show’s premise, characters, critical reception, and cultural impact, providing a comprehensive overview for both newcomers and dedicated fans of What We Do in the Shadows.
The Premise: Vampires in the Suburbs
The core concept of What We Do in the Shadows is simple yet brilliant: a documentary crew follows the daily lives of Nandor the Relentless (Kayvan Novak), Nadja of Antipaxos (Natasia Demetriou), Laszlo Cravensworth (Matt Berry), and Colin Robinson (Mark Proksch), four vampires who have been living together for centuries. The series explores their struggles to adapt to contemporary society, their interpersonal relationships, and their occasional run-ins with other supernatural creatures.
Unlike traditional depictions of vampires as menacing and powerful figures, the vampires in What We Do in the Shadows are often portrayed as inept, petty, and hilariously out of touch. Their attempts to conquer Staten Island, throw elaborate parties, and even just pay their bills often end in comical failure. This juxtaposition of the supernatural and the mundane is a key element of the show’s humor.
Meet the Vampires: A Cast of Eccentric Characters
The success of What We Do in the Shadows hinges on its well-developed and delightfully quirky characters. Each vampire brings a unique personality and set of quirks to the dynamic.
Nandor the Relentless
Nandor, a former Ottoman warrior, fancies himself the leader of the group, despite his often bumbling and insecure nature. He is fiercely loyal to his familiar, Guillermo (Harvey Guillén), and frequently attempts to assert his authority, often with disastrous results. Nandor’s struggle to maintain his fearsome reputation while dealing with the banalities of modern life is a recurring source of humor.
Nadja of Antipaxos
Nadja is a passionate and fiery vampire with a penchant for drama and a strong connection to her past. She is married to Laszlo, and their relationship is a mix of intense love and constant bickering. Nadja often seeks out new experiences and is more open to interacting with humans than some of her housemates. Her storyline frequently involves her searching for the reincarnation of her former lover.
Laszlo Cravensworth
Laszlo, a flamboyant and eccentric English vampire, is known for his love of sex, music, and general debauchery. He has a deep and complex relationship with Nadja, and their shared history is a constant source of both conflict and affection. Laszlo’s often-crude humor and over-the-top antics make him a fan favorite. He is also a talented topiary artist, creating sexually suggestive sculptures in the garden.
Colin Robinson
Colin Robinson is an energy vampire, a type of vampire that feeds on the emotional energy of others by boring them to death. He works in an office and drains his coworkers with his monotonous conversations and tedious emails. Colin is an anomaly among the vampires, and his powers are often misunderstood by his housemates. His mundane existence and seemingly harmless nature belie his true vampiric abilities. [See also: The Different Types of Vampires in Fiction]
Guillermo de la Cruz
Guillermo, Nandor’s long-suffering familiar, is arguably the heart of the show. He is fiercely loyal to Nandor, despite being constantly mistreated and taken for granted. Guillermo dreams of becoming a vampire himself, but his hopes are repeatedly dashed. As the series progresses, Guillermo discovers he has Van Helsing ancestry and possesses unexpected vampire-slaying abilities, adding a fascinating layer to his character. His arc is one of the most compelling in the series, as he grapples with his loyalty to Nandor and his own potential as a vampire hunter.
The Mockumentary Style: A Perfect Fit
The mockumentary format is essential to the success of What We Do in the Shadows. The presence of the documentary crew allows for direct-to-camera interviews, awkward silences, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the vampires’ lives. This style creates a sense of intimacy and allows the audience to connect with the characters on a personal level. The shaky camera work and impromptu interviews add to the realism and enhance the comedic effect. The vampires frequently break the fourth wall, commenting on the documentary itself and adding another layer of humor.
Critical Reception and Accolades
What We Do in the Shadows has received widespread critical acclaim for its clever writing, strong performances, and unique blend of humor and horror. The show has been praised for its originality and its ability to subvert vampire tropes. Critics have also lauded the show’s ensemble cast, with each actor delivering memorable and hilarious performances. The show has won numerous awards, including Primetime Emmy Awards nominations for Outstanding Comedy Series and acting nominations for several of its stars. The series maintains high ratings on Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic, reflecting its consistently positive reception.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
What We Do in the Shadows has had a significant impact on popular culture, revitalizing the vampire genre and inspiring a new wave of comedic horror. The show’s success has led to increased interest in the original film and has spawned a dedicated fan base. The characters and catchphrases from the show have become popular memes and online references. The show’s influence can also be seen in other television shows and films that blend horror and comedy. Its unique portrayal of vampires as flawed and relatable characters has resonated with audiences and has helped to redefine the genre. The show’s exploration of themes such as friendship, identity, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world has also contributed to its enduring appeal. [See also: The Best Vampire Comedies of All Time]
The Guest Stars: A Who’s Who of Comedy and Horror
One of the highlights of What We Do in the Shadows is its impressive roster of guest stars. The show has featured appearances from a wide range of actors, comedians, and horror icons. Notable guest stars include Tilda Swinton, Paul Reubens, Danny Trejo, Wesley Snipes (appearing via video call), and Mark Hamill. These guest appearances often play on the actors’ previous roles and add an extra layer of meta-humor to the show. The show’s ability to attract such high-profile talent is a testament to its quality and popularity. The guest stars seamlessly integrate into the show’s world, adding to the overall comedic effect.
Behind the Scenes: The Making of a Mockumentary
The production of What We Do in the Shadows is a collaborative effort involving a talented team of writers, directors, and actors. The show’s creators, Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi, have a long history of working together on comedic projects, and their experience is evident in the show’s sharp writing and improvisational style. The actors are given a great deal of freedom to improvise and add their own personal touches to their characters. The mockumentary format requires a different approach to filmmaking, with the camera crew often becoming characters in their own right. The show’s success is a testament to the dedication and creativity of the entire production team.
Why You Should Watch What We Do in the Shadows
What We Do in the Shadows is a must-watch for fans of comedy, horror, and mockumentaries. The show offers a unique and hilarious take on the vampire genre, with well-developed characters, clever writing, and strong performances. The mockumentary format adds to the realism and enhances the comedic effect. The show is also surprisingly poignant, exploring themes of friendship, identity, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. Whether you’re a longtime fan of vampire lore or simply looking for a good laugh, What We Do in the Shadows is sure to entertain. The show’s consistent quality and ability to surprise and delight audiences have made it a critical and commercial success. So, if you haven’t already, give What We Do in the Shadows a try – you won’t be disappointed.
Future of What We Do in the Shadows
As of late 2024, *What We Do in the Shadows* has concluded its run on FX. However, the show’s legacy and the potential for future spin-offs or revivals remain strong. The rich world and well-developed characters provide ample opportunities for further exploration. Whether it’s a new series focusing on Guillermo’s vampire-hunting adventures or a prequel exploring the vampires’ pasts, the possibilities are endless. The show’s dedicated fan base will undoubtedly be eager to see more of the vampires of Staten Island. The creators have also expressed interest in revisiting the characters and the world in some form, suggesting that this may not be the last we see of *What We Do in the Shadows*. The show’s lasting impact on the comedy and horror genres ensures that it will continue to be celebrated and remembered for years to come. The show’s availability on streaming platforms also ensures that new audiences will continue to discover and enjoy its unique brand of humor. Hopefully, we will see more of What We Do in the Shadows in the future.
