2014
Starring, written, and directed by Taika Waititi (Viago) and Jemaine Clement (Vladislav)
Jonny Brugh as Deacon
Jackie van Beek as Jackie
Rhys Darby as Anton
These crazy Kiwis have created a Vampire Mockumentary and it’s magical. What We Do In the Shadows follows Viago, Vladislav, and Deacon as they attempt to continue living as they like in modern-day Wellington. Their backgrounds vary greatly, but now that they’re together, the goal is the same for each: feed, stay out of the sun, and try to get along.
I’m truly astounded that I didn’t know more about Taika Waititi before Thor: Ragnarok (the best Marvel movie [fight me], review coming soon). And also that this movie (and the new show) comes from a short film the three main vamps created back in ’05. This is magnificent bizarreness. I am a huge fan.
Of what, specifically, did you say?
- The cheeseball effects. The floating is absolutely perfect. Because how else are these bozos gonna be able to clean anything in the upper level of the entryway of their house?
- Petyr. He’s Nosferatu and it’s amazing. He hisses, he lives in a vertical coffin in the basement, and the guys bring him snacks in a bag.
- The music. What in the actual hell is going on here? It’s so bizarre and it fits the story exactly. I’ve never shaken my head in disbelief quite so often during a movie and still wanted to watch it!
- The completely normal, modern-day conversations that the roommates have. The chore wheel and the arguments about who does and doesn’t do the dishes. The undertone of present day life activities and the snarky shade they throw at each other is amazing.
I just don’t know how they did it—they made this bizarre, creepy story a fun, endearing piece of film cult history. And it works, obviously—there’s a T.V. series now! Give it a shot. It might weird you out a bit, but I think you’ll be okay.
Weepy Meter: 0/10 Nah. Unless some leak out from laughing at the strangeness. It’s very weird.
Man Meter: 8/10 Guys watch wrestling. This is a Vampire Mockumentary. This is better.
Overall Rating: 7/10 Weird, but worth it.
Photo credit: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3416742/mediaviewer/rm697040128
See a movie OUTSIDE your comfort zone. 