What We Do in the Shadows

Warning bells go off in Anne's mind when she reads a film being described as "hilarious". Too often that word is used in desperation to describe an otherwise nondescript comedy.

Self described as hilarious

So she was a little apprehensive going into What We Do in the Shadows at the Embassy.

Some mockumentaries try hard to fool the viewer into believing they are real documentaries, others just play it straight without trying too hard to fool the viewer. What We Do in the Shadows belongs in a third category that discards pretence in its exploration of the lives of 4 vampires flatting in Wellington.

While True Blood tried to integrate and normalise vampires into small town southern America, What We Do in the Shadows tries to place vampires into the New Zealand flatting scene. The film explores their domestic life and conflicts, attempts to make friends and go out on the town. It also explores questions missed by other vampire films such as what happens when a vampire eats hot chips.

There is more than a hint of Flight of the Conchords in the style and pacing of What We Do in the Shadows. It is laid back, hesitant and self mocking.

Ian's rating 3/5  Anne's rating 3.5/5