Cinema Spotlight II – Taika Waititi (Part 3): ‘What We Do In the Shadows’

Left Side: Vladislav (Jermaine Clement), Viago (Taika Waititi) 

Center: Deacon (Jonny Brugh), Petyr (Ben Fransham),

Right Side: Nick (Cori-Gonzalez-Macuer), & Stu (Stu Rutherford)  

How can one describe What We Do in The Shadows? It’s the third film from Taika Waititi who this time shares directing and acting duties with Jermaine Clements (Flight of the Concords) in what could possibly be one of the best Horror comedies since Shaun of the Dead.   

Viago, Deacon and Vladislav

Premiering on February 13, 2015 (in the U.S.) and based on one of Waititi’s short films of the same name, has a film crew documenting the lives of vampires living in the suburb city life in Wellington, New Zealand. Viago (Waititi) is the cheerful but prim fellow who tries to keep everyone in check in their dark but humble abode, Deacon (Jonny Brugh) is the young rebel of the group (183 years old to be exact), Vladislav (Clements) a suave playboy who would get along with Beetlejuice really well, and Petyr (Ben Frasham) who keeps to himself in his stone coffin and wouldn’t surprise me if he were related to Count Orlock.

Even a vampire needs the proper dental care

 It’s a funny slice of life movie that is Dracula meets The Office and does a better job preserving the vampire lore than a certain teen romance that shall not be named. From vampiric immortality with sunlight, silver, and crucifixes being their fatal weakness (which the film crew wears to ensure their safety); there is also the rule of not entering a place without being invited, bat transformation, human blood consumption (leading to some squeamish and hilarious moments), hypnotism etc.

 

Looking for lunch

The group later admits a new member to the home Nick (Cori Gonzalez-Macuer) who after a bloody introduction becomes a vampire adapting to his new nighttime lifestyle and enjoying some of its perks. 

Nick having trouble with his vampire powers

His presence breathes in new life to the household with the introduction of his human friend Stu (Stu Rutherfrord) who doesn’t mind the cold-skin company. He introduces them to technological wonders such as the internet (watching the sunrise on YouTube), cell phones, and the best night clubs to party.

Stu and Nick hanging with their new vampire friends

That’s basically the entire premise, a basic story on the life of a vampire with some funny and clever moments and memorable characters. I enjoy the main leads but some of the supporting characters I wish were handled well as they are clumsily treated and the sudden shift on the protagonist with Viago and Nick.  

Nick doing a terrible job concealing his vampire traits

Waititi’s style is strong from film references to Sister Act to Blade, and re-teaming with Jermaine Clements and Cori Gonzalez-Macuer who starred in Eagle vs Shark. Viago like Lily is adorkabe , Deacon is ‘cool’ in his own world like Jarrod and Alamaine, and the theme of trying to fit in applying it well with the vampires case including Nick when he reaches a fallout with the trio. On an interesting note this is the only film from Waititi that Rachel House doesn’t make an appearance.

For those disappointed on seeing a Monster Universe with The Mummy (2017), in just one film Waititi presents his own monster world with vampires, zombies, and werewolves and surprisingly makes it work.

Rivalry with the werewolf pack

A zombie conversing with Stu

As I said the only drawback is the story is nothing grand and some forgettable side characters but everything else is alright. What We Do In The Shadows, is a hilarious mockumentary I recommend for a couple of laughs and seeing the vampire lore done right with hilarious results. Leave to Waititi to finding a way and pulling it off

Final Verdict: B

One of the Many Theatrical Posters