What We Do in the Shadows

What We Do in the Shadows

Release Date: 2014
Country: New Zealand
Director: Taika Waititi, Jemaine Clement
Writer: Taika Waititi, Jemaine Clement
Actor(s): Taika Waititi (Viago), Jemaine Clement (Vladislav) and Jonny Brugh (Deacon)

What We Do in the Shadows is one of the best mockumentary films around! It has New Zealand’s finest comedians pulling out all the stops to deliver a Sundance favourite. With countless and countless amount of awards  to back it’s 7.6/10 rating on IMDB, What We Do in the Shadows is a must-see for all vampire fans.

A lot of people had a problem with this film due to it’s ‘lack of plot’ and also it’s ‘poor cinematography’. I assume these people have never seen an actual documentary, let alone a mockumentary. It’s filmed in a style of a documentary. You’re not going to get anything over-the-top. Personally, I thought they nailed to documentary look perfectly. I find that Australia and New Zealand have perfected the art of ‘the mockumentary’ thanks to these guys, as well as the comedy genius of Chris Lilley (Summer Heights High, We Can Be Heroes).

There are tonnes and tonnes of plot twists that occur throughout the film to keep you on your toes. There is one completely heartbreaking scene in the film which I should warn you about. My housemate and I sat in silence and sadness during this particular scene. However, don’t feel discouraged, the film is certainly a comedy and the jokes come a plenty at a thick and fast pace.

You’ll find yourselves laughing out loud with some of the jokes, and since the jokes are consistently funny, you’ll find your stomach and cheeks will ache from all the smiling. The below scene had me howling with laughter.

One thing I need to highlight is that the special effects are second to none.

Nothing too over-the-top, but for very well done, from them morphing into bats to the werewolves burning rage turning them into werewolves. Check out the scene below. It’s so subtle but adds so much.

If you need to get over this week, and let’s be honest, I think we all do, then What We Do in the Shadows will be a great escapism. Such a funny, uplifting film!