What We Do In The Shadows is not just a television show. It’s a comedic phenomenon. This brilliant mockumentary has breathed new life (or perhaps, undeath) into the vampire genre. The series is adapted from the critically acclaimed 2014 film of the same name by Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi. It expands upon its predecessor’s genius. The show offers a consistently uproarious and surprisingly heartwarming look into the mundane yet utterly chaotic lives of a group of ancient vampires navigating the modern world. This show is a masterclass in deadpan humor. It excels in character development and world-building. It cements its place as one of the most uniquely brilliant comedies of our time.
The Undeniable Charms of the Core Ensemble
The heart and soul of What We Do In The Shadows lie firmly with its unforgettable cast of characters, each meticulously crafted and brought to life with impeccable comedic timing.
Nandor the Relentless: A Lovable Buffoon
Kayvan Novak’s portrayal of Nandor the Relentless is nothing short of a revelation. A former Ottoman warrior with a penchant for dramatics and an endearing naivete, Nandor is perpetually flummoxed by the simplest aspects of human life. His earnest attempts to understand everything from email to yard work show his dedication. His frequent outbursts of ancient warrior bravado add to his character. These qualities make him an endlessly lovable and often pitiable figure. Novak expertly balances Nandor’s formidable past with his current, rather pathetic existence, creating a character that is both hilariously inept and surprisingly endearing.
Laszlo Cravensworth: The Bawdy Bon Vivant
Matt Berry’s Laszlo Cravensworth is a triumph of comedic performance. Laszlo has a booming voice and a constant twinkle in his eye. He has an insatiable desire for all things carnal and artistic. He is the quintessential debauched aristocrat. His self-aggrandizing stories, often involving sexual escapades with historical figures or the invention of bizarre artistic endeavors, are always a highlight. Berry’s delivery is unparalleled, every line dripping with a magnificent blend of arrogance and absurdity. His devotion to his wife, Nadja, despite his philandering ways, also adds a touch of genuine sweetness to his character.
Nadja of Antipaxos: The Fiery and Fabulous Femme Fatale
Natasia Demetriou’s Nadja is a force of nature. Fiery, passionate, and perpetually exasperated by the men in her life, Nadja is a true delight. Her long-standing feuds and unfiltered opinions make her a grounding presence. Her surprisingly practical approach to vampire life keeps her utterly bizarre. Demetriou’s performance is captivating, expertly conveying Nadja’s ancient wisdom, her fierce loyalty, and her hilariously macabre sense of humor. Her relationship with the eternally resurrected doll containing her ghost, also named Nadja, provides some of the show’s most wonderfully unhinged moments.
Colin Robinson: The Energy Vampire We All Love to Hate
Mark Proksch’s Colin Robinson is a stroke of genius. As an “energy vampire,” Colin feeds not on blood. He feeds on boredom and irritation. He drains the life out of those around him with mundane anecdotes and passive-aggressive remarks. Proksch’s deadpan delivery and his uncanny ability to make even the most innocuous statement feel soul-crushingly tedious are a testament to his comedic prowess. Colin’s evolution throughout the series is noteworthy. His brief stint as an “emotional vampire” and his subsequent “rebirth” showcase the show’s willingness to experiment. The series deepens its characters in unexpected ways.
Guillermo de la Cruz: The Unsung Hero and Heart of the Show
Harvey Guillén’s Guillermo is arguably the most relatable and, in many ways, the most important character. As Nandor’s long-suffering familiar, Guillermo’s dream is to become a vampire, a desire constantly thwarted by his masters’ incompetence and his own burgeoning vampire-slaying abilities. Guillermo’s journey from meek servant to competent protector provides much of the show’s emotional core. Guillén masterfully portrays Guillermo’s growing confidence and his internal struggle, making him a character that audiences genuinely root for. His burgeoning vampire-slaying prowess, a wonderfully ironic twist, offers constant comedic tension and thrilling action sequences.
A Masterclass in Mockumentary Brilliance
What We Do In The Shadows excels in its mockumentary format, utilizing it to enhance the humor and storytelling in myriad ways. The confessional interviews allow for direct character insight. These interviews offer hilarious asides. The “documentary crew” often becomes implicitly involved in the vampires’ bizarre antics. This involvement lends an air of authenticity to the absurdity. The shaky camera work adds to the show’s unique comedic rhythm. Awkward pauses contribute as well. The characters’ often confused or dismissive reactions to the filming enhance this rhythm further. It’s a format that allows for both grand, fantastical set pieces and intimate, mundane moments, all framed through the lens of objective (and often bewildered) observation.
World-Building and Guest Stars That Elevate the Stakes
Beyond its core cast, What We Do In The Shadows has meticulously crafted a rich and expansive vampire universe. It is complete with its own lore, councils, and societal structures. This commitment to world-building allows for endless comedic possibilities, from the intricacies of vampire bureaucracy to the ridiculousness of ancient grudges.
The show’s impressive roster of guest stars is another testament to its quality and appeal. Cameos from the original film’s cast (Jemaine Clement, Taika Waititi, Jonathan Brugh) are consistently hilarious. Other beloved actors like Tilda Swinton, Mark Hamill, and Wesley Snipes play themselves as vampires. Their performances further expand the show’s already vibrant mythology. These appearances are not mere fan service; they are seamlessly integrated into the narrative, providing some of the series’ most memorable and star-studded comedic moments.
Consistently Clever and Deeply Affecting Humor
The humor in What We Do In The Shadows is multi-layered and consistently lands. It’s a blend of high-concept absurdity, character-driven comedy, deadpan delivery, and surprisingly relatable domestic squabbles. The show finds humor in the juxtaposition of the ancient and the modern, the supernatural and the mundane. Whether it’s Nandor trying to join a gym, Laszlo struggling to get a driver’s license, or Nadja opening a vampire nightclub, the situations are always ripe for comedic gold.
What sets this show apart, however, is its underlying warmth. Despite their monstrous nature and often selfish desires, the vampires genuinely care for each other in their own twisted way. There are moments of genuine camaraderie and even tenderness, particularly between Nandor and Guillermo, and Laszlo and Nadja. This emotional depth, however subtle, elevates the show beyond mere slapstick and makes the characters more endearing and their predicaments more resonant.
A Legacy of Laughter
In conclusion, What We Do In The Shadows is a rare gem in the comedic landscape. It’s a show that consistently delivers on its promise of uproarious laughter, thanks to its brilliant cast, ingenious mockumentary format, rich world-building, and consistently clever writing. It has reinvented the vampire genre for a new generation. It proves that even immortal beings can find themselves in hilariously ordinary situations. If you’re looking for a show that will make you laugh until you ache, while also surprisingly touching your heart, then sink your teeth into What We Do In The Shadows. It’s an undying delight that will leave you craving more.
Make sure to read other entries in my BASEMENT’S TIMELESS TELEVISION series. To add this great series to your home library, click on the covers below.
