Reviews: What We Do in the Shadows (2014) Movie Review / FAQs
Subgenres: Comedy, Vampires, Campy, Mockumentary
What We Do in the Shadows (2014) shocked audiences with its ending. Our spoiler-free review explains the scares, themes, and what makes this film unforgettable.
What We Do in the Shadows (2014), directed by Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi, is a brilliantly absurd mockumentary that flips the vampire genre on its head. With a dry sense of humor, clever world-building, and razor-sharp comedic timing, the film proves that even immortal creatures of the night struggle with chores, roommates, and nightlife etiquette.
What We Do in the Shadows (2014) – The Funniest Vampire Film Ever Made?
Plot, Themes, and Character Development
Set in modern-day Wellington, New Zealand, the film follows four vampire flatmates—Viago, Deacon, Vladislav, and Petyr—as they navigate the mundane aspects of their eternal lives. From arguing over unwashed dishes to failing to get into nightclubs (because vampires must be invited in), the story hilariously juxtaposes the mythological grandeur of vampires with real-world banality.
The plot loosely centers around the arrival of Nick, a recently turned vampire who brings unwanted attention to the group while also introducing them to modern life—complete with smartphones, Google, and late-night kebabs. Meanwhile, Viago attempts to reconnect with a long-lost love, and Vladislav wrestles with his fallen reputation.
Themes of friendship, loneliness, adaptation, and identity run quietly beneath the surface. While the film is primarily a comedy, it sneakily delivers commentary on how outdated beings (or people) deal with change in a rapidly evolving world.
Each character is distinctly memorable:
Viago is the polite dandy who longs for romance and structure.
Deacon is the rebellious former bad boy who’s just a little lazy now.
Vladislav is the “Vlad the Impaler” type with an ego and fading powers.
Petyr, the ancient Nosferatu-style vampire, is mostly terrifying and silent—but unforgettable.
Acting and Cinematography
The performances are deadpan perfection. Taika Waititi’s Viago is the standout, portraying a lovable gentleman-vampire with a delicate charm that’s consistently funny. Jemaine Clement leans into gothic drama with Vladislav, while Jonathan Brugh nails Deacon’s smug absurdity.
The mockumentary format allows for intimate, improvised moments that feel both ridiculous and authentic. Interviews with the vampires, shaky handheld camerawork, and abrupt zooms help reinforce the illusion of realism—making the absurd feel oddly plausible.
The cinematography is low-key but effective. Despite its modest budget, the film manages to include bloody feeding scenes, floating mid-air fights, and transformation effects with surprising polish. Clever use of practical effects and editing sells the supernatural with a wink and a nod.
Directing Style, Strengths, and Weaknesses
Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement masterfully blend horror mythology with sitcom structure. Their direction balances humor with subtle emotion, building a surprisingly rich universe from simple ingredients. The tone is pitch-perfect—never taking itself too seriously, but never descending into pure parody.
The biggest strength of What We Do in the Shadows is its uniquely original voice. It’s one of the few horror comedies that genuinely respects both genres. It’s hilarious without being dumb, and it still contains just enough blood, lore, and creepiness to satisfy horror fans.
If there’s a weakness, it’s that the plot isn’t tightly structured. It wanders from gag to gag, relying more on character moments than a driving story. But in a mockumentary format, that’s easily forgiven—especially when nearly every moment lands.
Strengths:
Hilarious, deadpan humor throughout
Unique twist on vampire lore and tropes
Lovable characters with strong chemistry
Inventive low-budget effects and mockumentary realism
Perfect balance between absurdity and heart
Weaknesses:
Loose plot with minimal narrative momentum
May not appeal to those who dislike dry humor or improv-style dialogue
Occasional jokes may be lost without horror genre familiarity
Petyr could have used more screen time as comic relief or menace
Lack of a central antagonist limits suspense
Final Verdict & Score: 8/10
What We Do in the Shadows is a genre-defining horror comedy that’s as smart as it is silly. With unforgettable characters, quotable dialogue, and an irresistibly weird charm, it breathes fresh (undead) life into vampire cinema. Whether you’re a hardcore horror fan or just looking for something hilariously original, this film absolutely delivers.
What We Do in the Shadows (2014) – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is What We Do in the Shadows a true mockumentary?
Yes. The film is structured as a mockumentary-style comedy, following a camera crew documenting the lives of four vampires living together in modern-day New Zealand. The characters interact directly with the filmmakers, giving it a reality TV feel, while delivering supernatural chaos and dry humor.
Who are the main vampires in What We Do in the Shadows?
The film follows four central vampire roommates:
Viago – a 379-year-old dandy with a love for manners and romance
Vladislav – a former impaler who lost his touch after battling “The Beast”
Deacon – the rebellious, self-proclaimed “bad boy” of the group
Petyr – an 8,000-year-old Nosferatu-type vampire who lurks in the basement
Each brings a distinct personality and comic dynamic to the flat.
What happens to Petyr in What We Do in the Shadows?
Minor Spoiler: Petyr, the oldest and most terrifying of the group, is accidentally killed by sunlight after a newly turned vampire, Nick, brings a police officer to the flat, leading to unintentional exposure. Petyr’s death is one of the more serious and emotional moments in the otherwise comedic film.
How does Nick become a vampire in the movie?
Nick becomes a vampire after Petyr bites him, following an awkward and suspenseful encounter in the basement. His transformation brings modern chaos into the group—introducing technology, nightlife tips, and ego problems that disrupt the vampires’ quiet routine.
What is the deal with “The Beast” in the film?
“The Beast” is the nickname Vladislav gives to his arch-nemesis and former lover, revealed later in the film to be Pauline, a powerful and emotionally scarring ex. Their awkward reunion at the Unholy Masquerade ball is both hilarious and oddly poignant.
What is the Unholy Masquerade in What We Do in the Shadows?
The Unholy Masquerade is a secret annual event where vampires, zombies, and other supernatural beings gather to celebrate and socialize. The vampires are invited, but tensions rise when they discover The Beast is this year’s guest of honor. The event leads to a chaotic but comedic climax.
Does the film have werewolves?
Yes! The movie introduces a group of rival werewolves led by Anton, played by Rhys Darby. They famously insist, “We’re werewolves, not swearwolves,” and have a tense, comedic standoff with the vampires. The werewolves return in the Wellington Paranormal spinoffs and are central to the Werewolves sequel in development.
Is What We Do in the Shadows connected to the TV series?
Yes. The 2014 film inspired the FX television series of the same name, set in Staten Island with a new cast of vampires. The show expands on the film’s universe and humor, featuring cameos from the original cast and tying into the same lore.
Does anyone die in What We Do in the Shadows?
Minor Spoiler: Aside from Petyr, several humans and rival supernatural creatures meet gory ends, often offscreen or humorously implied. However, the tone stays light—even the deaths serve comedic purposes rather than traditional horror.
Similar films like What We Do in the Shadows can be found in vampire movies, vampire movies, werewolf movies, and werewolf movies sub-genre(s), check them out for more movies like What We Do in the Shadows.
Sources Used to Shape This Review
Insights in this review are drawn from director interviews, fan commentary, production notes, and long-form breakdowns across genre-specific platforms. Content is written uniquely and reviewed for accuracy.
- What We Do in the Shadows Rating Scores
- Our Score: 8/10
- Overall Score: 8.17/10
- IMDB: 7.6/10
- MetaCritic: 7.6/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 9.6/10
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