Vampires with a twist: Five reasons why you must watch ‘What We Do In The Shadows’

If Twilight did a lot to add a layer of cringe to vampire lore, What We Do In The Shadows shifts gears toward the opposite end of the spectrum. If you’re in the mood for something darkly funny, irreverent, and offbeat, this is, without a doubt, the perfect show for you.

Created by Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement, the show hilariously utilizes a mockumentary format that follows a group of ancient vampires living together in Staten Island, New York. What follows is a satirical take on vampire lore and everyday life, with the camera crew itself landing in trouble oftentimes.

Here are five reasons why you absolutely must watch What We Do in the Shadows.

The cast

One of the show's strengths is its brilliant ensemble cast, which includes the likes of Kayvan Novak, Matt Berry, Natasia Demetriou, and Mark Proksch. Each actor brings their unique comedic talents to the table, resulting in a perfect blend of witty dialogue and physical humour.

Novak's portrayal of Nandor the Relentless, a bumbling yet lovable vampire, is particularly noteworthy. Berry's turn as Laszlo Cravensworth is an eccentric depiction of the vampire with a penchant for mischief, music, and mistakes. Demetriou and Proksch also shine in their respective roles, playing a sultry vampire and an energy vampire with great aplomb respectively.

Also worth noting is Harvey Guillén, who essays Guillermo, Nandor's ex-familiar-turned-bodyguard. The only non-vampire entity in the household is perhaps the most dangerous one, with secrets and tricks up his sleeve at all times.

Dark humour

What We Do in the Shadows has a unique brand of dark humour that is sure to tickle your funny bone. The show is filled with jokes that range from subtle to absurd, and the writers aren't afraid to get a little bit edgy. This is the kind of humour that will have you laughing out loud and quoting lines for days. Each character also has trademark phrases of sorts, that are equal parts endearing and comical.

A satirical take on vampires

The FX comedy takes all of the classic vampire tropes and turns them on their head. From the vampire's inability to enter a home without being invited into their obsession with turning virgins, the show pokes fun at every aspect of vampire lore. The result is a fresh and hilarious take on a tired, and often beaten-to-death genre.

The mockumentary format

As mentioned before, the show is shot in a mockumentary style, which makes it seem like a reality show about vampires. The characters frequently address the camera, which adds to the humour and helps to ground the show in reality. It’s a style that has worked well for other shows like The Office and Parks and Recreation, and it’s a perfect fit for What We Do in the Shadows as well.

The perfect blend of horror and comedy

The vampire show strikes the perfect balance between horror and comedy. While the show is certainly funny, it never forgets that it’s a show about vampires. There are moments of genuine horror, gore, and tension that will have you on the edge of your seat.

About the show

Based on the 2014 movie of the same name, the show is produced by FX and premiered in March 2019. The series revolves around the day-to-day experiences of Nandor the Relentless, Laszlo Cravensworth, Nadja, and Colin Robinson, as they navigate the complexities of living together and blending in with the human world. Despite being centuries old, the vampires struggle to adapt to the modern world and often find themselves in ridiculous situations.

The show's creators, Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi, bring their unique brand of humour and wit to the series, infusing it with clever jokes, pop culture references, and unforgettable characters. The show also features a talented ensemble cast that brings each of the vampire's distinct personalities to life, making them both lovable and absurd.

As the series progresses, the vampires encounter a host of supernatural beings and humans, leading to hilarious and unexpected plot twists. From werewolves and witches to vampire hunters and ghostly roommates, What We Do In The Shadows keeps audiences on the edge of their seats with its sharp writing and comedic timing. With its tongue-in-cheek humour and imaginative storyline, the show has quickly become a fan favourite, receiving critical acclaim and numerous award nominations.

In conclusion, one becomes attached to the family of misfits, who play out their ups and downs on camera. Viewers also become heavily invested in their individual journeys. However, it is when the show puts the cast together as a group that true eccentricities unfold in the most glorious manner. With numerous guest appearances and a unique take on vampires, this FX comedy is undoubtedly one for the books.

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