Opening with a clock striking 6:00 PM. What We do in the Shadows introduces to the audience to four vampire flatmates Viago ( Taika Waititi) Deacon ( Jonathan Brugh) Vladislav( Jermaine Clement and Petyr (Ben Fransham) the 8000 year old patriarch of the group.
Shot reality style in the tradition of The Real World and The Office Viago takes the lead role in interaction with the film crew. The audience is witness to a family meeting (less Petyr) where Deacon comes under attack it's his turn to do the dishes and he has not done so for 5 years. The film followed the lives of the flatmates for a period of time leading up to the highlight of the Undead Calendar the Unholy Masquerade featuring Werewolves, Witches, Zombies and Vampires and the odd caged human as a raffle prize.
The piece is tightly written and actor/ directors Jermaine Clement and Taika Waititi employ the moving and shaking camera style that is prevalent in reality television. The cast turn in strong performances especially Taika Waititi as the chatty, whiney Dandy Viago and Jermaine Clement as the brooding Vladislav.
Beyond the family meeting the flatmates are shown doing everyday normal activities. Trying to get into the hottest bars in town, surfing the internet, playing as a musical trio, bringing girls home. The only difference being that the houseguests tend not to leave in the same state they arrive. One intriguing exchange between Viago and Deacon is his the former's attempt to get the latter to put down newspaper before he drains his victims in an attempt to keep blood of the couch.
What We do in the Shadows is an enjoyable watch and a comedic departure on the every expanding vampire genera of film. It is a film that I can recommend.
*** Out of 4
What We Do In The Shadows | Jermaine Clement / Taika Waititi | New Zealand | 2014 | 86 Minutes.
Tags: Vampires, Wellington, Flat, Documentary, Actor/Director, Reality filming, Werewolves , Zombies.
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