A Bloody Good Time

The vampire has become over-used in recent years, making the market feel over-saturated. It has become increasingly difficult to find a way to depict something creative and new within the sub-genre, while not departing from all that is intriguing about the creature. One film that expertly pays tribute to ‘creatures of the night’ while concocting a unique and comedic vision is the 2014 mockumentary What We Do in the Shadows.

Filmed in documentary fashion, the motion picture follows four flatmates: dandy neat-freak Viago (Taika Waititi – also co-writer and co-director), Vladislav the Poker (Jermaine Clement – the other co-writer and co-director), the young, slovenly knitter that is Deacon (Jonny Brugh), and the aged, grumpy and un-humanlike Petyr (Ben Fransham). The foursome live together in a house in Wellington, New Zealand, where they deal with the day to day issues that crop up when four individuals who have lived well over one hundred years grumble and whinge over everything from chores and cleanliness, to who they ‘turn’ and which humans they decide to invite into their home. . . and don’t kill. We are first introduced to the group when Viago calls a meeting to deal with the issues that are cropping up within the unusual abode.

Each of the four actors develops a character that is enticing to watch. Viago, the 18^th century gallant with his rich Austrian accent, has an unusual past that consists of him losing his love (which is what actually brought him to New Zealand) – yet still watching the now elderly woman who resides in an old-folks home, as well as being part of a Nazi vampire unit during World War 2. Vladislav the Poker is a clear send up of Vlad the Impaler (the Romanian figure that inspired Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel Dracula). He has been on a downturn as of late, that is, after being defeated by a creature that he terms The Beast (in actuality, it is his ex-lover). He now lacks the confidence to hypnotize the masses, but still enjoys a good orgy. Deacon, the youngest of the group, sees himself as pretty cool, though he spends much of his time knitting. He is the least helpful around the house. Petyr, by far the eldest, resembles Count Orlok from the first ever vampire film Nosferatu, and is, shall I say, violently moody. Living in the basement, which has been decked out to resemble some sort of crypt, the untalkative beast is much more savage-like. Members that hang on the periphery are Deacon’s servant Jackie (Jackie van Beek), a woman who is unsatisfied at home and is desperately hoping to be ‘turned’ by her master – though he clearly has no intent of doing so; Nick, Jackie’s ex, is sent to the home as a blood bag for the vamps, though in the end is transformed into a vampire – though the group mostly regret this action; and Stu, Nick’s computer programmer friend who is the only human of the gang. They really are smitten with the man for some odd reason.

In the evening, the foursome and their hangers-on head out to cruise the clubs (with little luck – as they must be invited in to enter a building) and to find their next meal. Out on the town, they also have minor scuffles with a pack of werewolves – their sworn enemies. They are led by cool headed pack leader Anton (Rhys Darby), who tries to curb their violent and cursing ways (after all, he reminds them, they are werewolves not swearwolves). Much of the mockumentary leads toward the highly anticipated yearly Masquerade Ball – where all supernatural beings, including zombies and witches, come together for an evening of monster mashing.

What We Do in the Shadows is an intriguing film that is surprisingly witty and immensely creative. Turning vampire lore upside down, Clement and Waititi find clever ways to satirize the fanged creatures while also paying homage to the many films that have come before. There are countless memorable moments. One finds the flatmates having to invite two police officers into their home after reports of a disturbance. Viago hypnotizes them, though he worries that it will wear off (as he has always struggled with the skill), so it is suggested that they just kill them. But, it is quickly pointed out that the officers are providing such good safety tips for their home that they should hear them out for awhile. There are also clever throwaway tongue and cheek comments. When Vladislav wants to be left alone as he is doing ‘dark bidding’ on the Internet, Viago asks “What are you bidding on?”. Vladislav retorts, “I am bidding on a table”.

Being so fond of history, I also found the way that they illustrated their vampiric past to be engrossing. Using ancient images, lithographs, drawings, photographs and maps was the perfect way to depict their unusual and storied pasts.

What We Do in the Shadows is clearly not the easiest film to describe. It is something that must be experienced firsthand, as its quick-witted dialogue and the filmmakers’ rich reverence of the subject – that comes off as breathtakingly creative, is hard to put into words. So, take a bite out of this bloody body of work, for I have no stake in persuading you otherwise.