Bloody Fun: What We Do in the Shadows

Watch my youtube review HERE!!!

What We Do in the Shadows is directed by Jemaine Clement (Flight of the Concords) and Taika Waititi (Boy). The directors also star in the film alongside Jonathon Brugh, Cori Gonzalez-Macuer, Stu Rutherford and Ben Fransham, with a small (and hilarious) role from Rhys Darby. What We Do in the Shadows is a mockumentary that follows a group of vampires residing in New Zealand in anticipation of the undead event of the year.

What you get is one of the better comedies or the year and a damn good horror comedy that manages to set itself apart from movies like Shaun of the Dead, Slither and Zombieland. With its mockumentary execution What We Do in the Shadows is able to make fun of the genre but embrace the characters, throwing plot to the side but exhibiting great satire and also a lot of heart. This is guided but good direction and also by the fact that the film is played straight and not like the characters are in on the joke (though the actors are of course).

Though relatively unknown the cast is fantastic. Being both campy and heartfelt in an array of insane situations and hitting almost every comedic beat. The script contains great dialogue, fantastic gags and also several moving moments regarding the mortality of themselves and loved ones. I also love the use of the vampire artwork throughout history used to both terrify and create laughs. The film is also well paced, breezing by with the very lean running time of  86 minutes.

Though it is enjoyable it isn't perfect. The lack of plot leaves a bit to be desired, causing it to meander at times when some of the vignettes are rather weak. It is very amusing but not incredibly laugh out loud funny but in the end still fun. The cinematography isn't that special mainly because it is going for the generic documentary look but the practical and visual effects of the film are really good and add to the comedy of the film.

Very enjoyable, fun but also dark and heartfelt at times. What We Do in the Shadows is a comedy to check out.

3 1/2 out of 5 stars.

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