Understanding The Fascinating World Of "What We Do In The Shadows"

"What We Do In The Shadows" is a captivating comedy series that has taken the world by storm with its unique blend of humor, horror, and supernatural elements. Based on the 2014 film of the same name, the series provides a fresh and hilarious take on the lives of vampires living in modern-day Staten Island. The show's clever writing, dynamic characters, and brilliant satire have earned it a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim. Each episode offers a delightful mix of absurdity and wit, making it a must-watch for fans of the supernatural comedy genre.

Set against the backdrop of a mundane suburban setting, "What We Do In The Shadows" follows the daily (or rather, nightly) lives of four vampire roommates. The series cleverly juxtaposes the ancient and mystical nature of vampires with the banalities of contemporary life, resulting in comedic situations that are both entertaining and endearing. The characters, each with their own distinct personality, add depth and charm to the show, making it a delightful exploration of the supernatural world through a comedic lens.

In addition to its humor, "What We Do In The Shadows" offers insightful commentary on the challenges of adapting to the modern world. The vampires struggle with issues such as technology, social norms, and interspecies relationships, all while attempting to maintain their supernatural secrecy. This juxtaposition creates a rich narrative filled with comedic mishaps and heartfelt moments. The series has successfully managed to balance its comedic elements with genuine character development, making it a standout in the realm of television comedies.

Table of Contents

• Show Overview
• Main Cast and Characters
• Plot and Storyline
• Humor and Comedy Style
• Production and Filming
• Critical Acclaim and Reception
• Cultural Impact and Influence
• Themes and Symbolism
• Comparison with Original Film
• Future of the Series
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion

Show Overview

"What We Do In The Shadows" is a mockumentary-style television series that premiered on FX in 2019. Created by Jemaine Clement and based on the 2014 film by Clement and Taika Waititi, the show offers a humorous glimpse into the lives of four vampire roommates navigating the complexities of modern life. The series is set in Staten Island and follows vampires Nandor, Laszlo, Nadja, and energy vampire Colin Robinson as they attempt to conquer America, or at least the local neighborhood. Despite their supernatural powers, the vampires face mundane challenges such as paying rent and dealing with nosy neighbors.

The show's format resembles a documentary, complete with interviews, candid moments, and a camera crew that captures the vampires' exploits. This style adds a layer of authenticity and intimacy, allowing viewers to connect with the characters on a personal level. The series expertly blends elements of horror with comedy, creating a unique viewing experience that appeals to a broad audience. As the vampires encounter various supernatural creatures and human characters, the show explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and identity, all while maintaining its comedic tone.

"What We Do In The Shadows" has been praised for its originality, humor, and clever writing. The series has successfully expanded upon the world established in the original film, introducing new characters and storylines that keep viewers engaged. With its blend of supernatural elements and relatable humor, the show continues to captivate audiences and has become a beloved fixture in the comedy genre.

Main Cast and Characters

The success of "What We Do In The Shadows" can be attributed in large part to its talented cast and their portrayal of the show's eccentric characters. Each character brings their own unique flavor to the series, creating a dynamic ensemble that is both entertaining and endearing.

Nandor the Relentless

Nandor, played by Kayvan Novak, is a former Ottoman Empire warrior turned vampire. He is the self-proclaimed leader of the group, known for his outdated views and comical misunderstandings of the modern world. Despite his attempts to assert authority, Nandor's leadership is often challenged by his fellow vampires, leading to humorous power struggles.

Laszlo Cravensworth

Portrayed by Matt Berry, Laszlo is a British vampire with a penchant for theatricality and mischief. Known for his flamboyant personality and love of music, Laszlo often finds himself in absurd situations. His relationship with Nadja adds a layer of complexity to his character, providing both comedic and touching moments throughout the series.

Nadja of Antipaxos

Nadja, played by Natasia Demetriou, is a passionate and independent vampire with a mysterious past. Her fiery spirit and quick wit make her a standout character. Nadja often takes on a maternal role within the group, providing guidance and support to her fellow vampires. Her love for Laszlo and her interactions with other supernatural beings add depth to her character.

Colin Robinson

Mark Proksch portrays Colin Robinson, an energy vampire who feeds off the energy of others through mundane conversations and dull interactions. Unlike traditional vampires, Colin can walk in daylight and blend in with humans. His deadpan humor and unique abilities make him a fascinating and hilarious character.

Guillermo de la Cruz

Harvey Guillén plays Guillermo, Nandor's loyal familiar who dreams of becoming a vampire. Despite his lack of supernatural powers, Guillermo proves to be resourceful and determined. His journey from a devoted servant to a vampire hunter provides an intriguing subplot that adds depth to the series.

Each character in "What We Do In The Shadows" is carefully crafted to contribute to the show's humor and charm. The actors' performances bring the characters to life, making them memorable and beloved by fans.

Plot and Storyline

The plot of "What We Do In The Shadows" revolves around the everyday lives of four vampire roommates living in Staten Island. Despite their supernatural abilities, the vampires face challenges typical of any modern household, from paying bills to dealing with nosy neighbors. The series follows their comical attempts to navigate the human world while maintaining their vampire traditions and secrecy.

Each episode presents a new adventure, often involving other supernatural creatures such as werewolves, witches, and ghosts. The vampires' interactions with these beings lead to humorous and sometimes chaotic situations. The series cleverly uses these encounters to explore themes of friendship, loyalty, and identity, all while maintaining its comedic tone.

One of the central storylines follows Guillermo's journey from a loyal familiar to a skilled vampire hunter. His internal conflict between his desire to become a vampire and his duty to protect his friends adds depth and intrigue to the series. As Guillermo uncovers his vampire-hunting ancestry, he grapples with his identity and place within the vampire community, leading to compelling character development.

Throughout the series, the vampires' attempts to conquer America, or at least the local neighborhood, serve as a humorous backdrop to their daily lives. Their plans often backfire, resulting in comedic mishaps and absurd situations. Despite their supernatural powers, the vampires struggle with mundane challenges, creating a delightful juxtaposition that keeps viewers entertained.

"What We Do In The Shadows" masterfully balances its comedic elements with genuine character development and engaging storylines. The series offers a unique and entertaining take on the vampire genre, making it a standout in the world of television comedies.

Humor and Comedy Style

The humor in "What We Do In The Shadows" is a unique blend of wit, satire, and absurdity. The series expertly parodies traditional vampire lore, juxtaposing the ancient and mystical nature of vampires with the banalities of contemporary life. This contrast creates comedic situations that are both entertaining and endearing.

The show's mockumentary format adds a layer of authenticity and intimacy, allowing viewers to connect with the characters on a personal level. The characters often break the fourth wall, speaking directly to the camera and sharing their thoughts and experiences. This style creates a sense of camaraderie between the characters and the audience, enhancing the comedic impact.

The series also incorporates elements of physical comedy, slapstick, and wordplay, adding variety to its comedic repertoire. The characters' interactions often lead to humorous misunderstandings and mishaps, resulting in laugh-out-loud moments. The show's clever writing and dynamic characters ensure that each episode is filled with humor and charm.

One of the standout aspects of the show's comedy is its ability to tackle serious themes with a lighthearted approach. The series explores issues such as identity, loyalty, and friendship, all while maintaining its comedic tone. This balance between humor and depth makes "What We Do In The Shadows" a compelling and enjoyable viewing experience.

The show's humor is accessible and relatable, appealing to a broad audience. Whether you're a fan of vampire lore or simply enjoy a good laugh, "What We Do In The Shadows" offers a delightful mix of comedy and supernatural elements that is sure to entertain.

Production and Filming

"What We Do In The Shadows" is produced by FX Productions, with Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi serving as executive producers. The series is filmed in Toronto, Canada, which doubles as Staten Island, New York. The show's production team has created a visually striking world that blends the supernatural with the mundane, capturing the essence of the original film while expanding upon its universe.

The series' mockumentary format requires a unique approach to filming, with handheld cameras and a documentary-style presentation. This style adds a layer of authenticity and intimacy, allowing viewers to feel like they are part of the vampires' world. The use of practical effects, combined with CGI, brings the supernatural elements to life, enhancing the show's visual appeal.

The show's set design and costume work are integral to its success, creating an immersive environment that captures the essence of the characters and their world. The attention to detail in the vampires' clothing, makeup, and lair adds to the show's authenticity and charm.

The production team has successfully expanded upon the world established in the original film, introducing new characters and storylines that keep viewers engaged. The show's blend of horror, comedy, and supernatural elements creates a unique viewing experience that continues to captivate audiences.

Critical Acclaim and Reception

"What We Do In The Shadows" has received widespread critical acclaim for its humor, originality, and clever writing. The series has been praised for its ability to balance comedic elements with genuine character development and engaging storylines. Its unique take on the vampire genre has earned it a dedicated fan base and numerous accolades.

The show's cast has been lauded for their performances, with each actor bringing their character to life with charm and humor. The dynamic ensemble creates a cohesive and entertaining viewing experience that resonates with audiences. The series' ability to tackle serious themes with a lighthearted approach has also been praised, adding depth and substance to its comedic narrative.

Critics have highlighted the show's clever writing and witty dialogue, noting its ability to parody traditional vampire lore while offering a fresh and entertaining perspective. The series' mockumentary format has been praised for its authenticity and intimacy, allowing viewers to connect with the characters on a personal level.

"What We Do In The Shadows" has been nominated for and won several awards, further cementing its status as a standout in the world of television comedies. Its blend of humor and supernatural elements continues to captivate audiences, making it a beloved fixture in the comedy genre.

Cultural Impact and Influence

"What We Do In The Shadows" has made a significant cultural impact, influencing the comedy and supernatural genres with its unique blend of humor and horror. The series has introduced a fresh take on vampire lore, challenging traditional stereotypes and offering a new perspective on the supernatural world.

The show's popularity has inspired a dedicated fan base, with viewers drawn to its clever writing, dynamic characters, and hilarious situations. Its success has paved the way for other supernatural comedies, highlighting the potential for humor within the horror genre.

The series' exploration of themes such as identity, friendship, and loyalty resonates with audiences, providing relatable and meaningful narratives within its comedic framework. The show's ability to tackle serious issues with a lighthearted approach has contributed to its cultural relevance and appeal.

"What We Do In The Shadows" has also sparked interest in vampire and supernatural lore, encouraging viewers to explore the genre further. Its influence extends beyond the screen, with fans engaging in discussions, fan art, and cosplay inspired by the show's characters and world.

Themes and Symbolism

"What We Do In The Shadows" explores a variety of themes and symbolism, offering depth and substance within its comedic narrative. The series delves into issues such as identity, friendship, and loyalty, all while maintaining its humorous tone.

One of the central themes is the struggle for identity and belonging. The vampires, each with their own distinct personality and background, grapple with their place in the modern world. Guillermo's journey from a loyal familiar to a skilled vampire hunter highlights the complexities of identity and self-discovery, offering a compelling subplot within the series.

The show's exploration of friendship and loyalty is another key theme, with the vampires' relationships providing both comedic and heartfelt moments. Despite their differences, the characters rely on each other for support and companionship, creating a strong sense of camaraderie and unity.

The series also incorporates symbolism, using supernatural elements to reflect real-world issues and challenges. The vampires' struggles with adapting to modern life mirror the difficulties faced by individuals navigating societal norms and expectations. This symbolism adds depth and relatability to the show's narrative, enhancing its appeal to a broad audience.

Comparison with Original Film

"What We Do In The Shadows" is based on the 2014 film of the same name, created by Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi. While the series retains the film's mockumentary style and comedic tone, it expands upon its universe, introducing new characters and storylines that keep viewers engaged.

The film follows a group of vampire roommates living in New Zealand, while the series is set in Staten Island, offering a new setting and cultural context for the characters' adventures. This change in location provides fresh opportunities for humor and satire, as the vampires navigate the complexities of American life.

Both the film and series explore similar themes, such as identity, friendship, and the challenges of modern life. However, the series delves deeper into character development and storylines, providing a more comprehensive exploration of the vampires' world.

The show's expansion of the original film's universe has been well-received, with fans and critics praising its ability to retain the film's charm and humor while offering new and engaging narratives. The series' success has cemented its status as a beloved continuation of the "What We Do In The Shadows" franchise.

Future of the Series

"What We Do In The Shadows" continues to captivate audiences with its unique blend of humor and supernatural elements. The series has been renewed for multiple seasons, with each installment offering new adventures and character development.

The show's creators have expressed their commitment to maintaining the series' humor and originality, ensuring that future episodes continue to entertain and engage viewers. As the series explores new storylines and themes, it remains a beloved fixture in the world of television comedies.

Fans eagerly anticipate the future of the series, with the potential for new characters, settings, and supernatural encounters. The show's ability to balance comedic elements with genuine character development and engaging narratives ensures its continued success and cultural relevance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is "What We Do In The Shadows" about?

"What We Do In The Shadows" is a comedy series that follows the everyday lives of four vampire roommates living in Staten Island. The show explores their humorous attempts to navigate the human world while maintaining their vampire traditions and secrecy.

Who are the main characters in "What We Do In The Shadows"?

The main characters are Nandor the Relentless, Laszlo Cravensworth, Nadja of Antipaxos, energy vampire Colin Robinson, and Guillermo de la Cruz. Each character brings their own unique flavor to the series, creating a dynamic and entertaining ensemble.

How does the series compare to the original film?

The series retains the film's mockumentary style and comedic tone, but expands upon its universe with new characters and storylines. While the film is set in New Zealand, the series takes place in Staten Island, offering a new setting and cultural context for the characters' adventures.

What themes are explored in "What We Do In The Shadows"?

The series explores themes such as identity, friendship, and loyalty, all while maintaining its humorous tone. The vampires' struggles with adapting to modern life mirror real-world challenges, adding depth and relatability to the show's narrative.

Has "What We Do In The Shadows" been critically acclaimed?

Yes, the series has received widespread critical acclaim for its humor, originality, and clever writing. It has been praised for its ability to balance comedic elements with genuine character development and engaging storylines.

What is the future of the series?

"What We Do In The Shadows" has been renewed for multiple seasons, with each installment offering new adventures and character development. The show's creators are committed to maintaining its humor and originality, ensuring its continued success and cultural relevance.

Conclusion

"What We Do In The Shadows" is a unique and captivating comedy series that has captured the hearts of audiences with its clever blend of humor, horror, and supernatural elements. The show's dynamic characters, engaging storylines, and witty satire make it a standout in the realm of television comedies. As the series continues to explore new adventures and themes, it remains a beloved fixture in the comedy genre, delighting fans with its originality and charm.

The series' ability to balance comedic elements with genuine character development and meaningful narratives ensures its continued success and cultural relevance. As viewers eagerly anticipate the future of "What We Do In The Shadows," the show continues to entertain and inspire, offering a delightful exploration of the supernatural world through a comedic lens.

With its engaging storytelling, talented cast, and clever writing, "What We Do In The Shadows" is a must-watch for fans of the supernatural comedy genre. Its unique blend of humor and horror creates a captivating viewing experience that is sure to entertain and delight audiences for years to come.