What We Do In The Shadows - Unlife On Staten Island
Imagine for a moment, if you will, what it might be like to share a living space with beings who have seen centuries come and go, whose daily routines involve avoiding sunlight and perhaps the occasional blood feast. This is the rather peculiar setup at the core of "What We Do in the Shadows," a show that peels back the curtain on the nightly happenings of a few old-world vampires trying to make sense of a very new world on Staten Island. It’s a bit like watching a very strange, very funny reality show, but with fangs and a distinct lack of personal boundaries.
The series, you see, gives us a very close look into the lives of these four ancient creatures who have called the same house home for quite some time. We get to see how they deal with the small, everyday annoyances of communal living, all while trying to keep their true nature a secret from the human population around them. It’s a genuinely funny take on the vampire story, swapping out scary for silly, and making the mundane aspects of their existence the source of much laughter, as a matter of fact.
For anyone who appreciates a good laugh mixed with a touch of the supernatural, this particular show offers something quite special. It takes the classic idea of vampires and turns it on its head, presenting them not as terrifying monsters but as a group of slightly awkward, often clueless housemates who just happen to be immortal. Their attempts to fit in, or simply to manage their own internal squabbles, are pretty much the heart of the whole thing, and it's quite a sight to behold.
Table of Contents
- What is the Deal with What We Do in the Shadows Anyway?
- Meeting the Unusual Household of What We Do in the Shadows
- The Everyday Unlife of What We Do in the Shadows Residents
- How Does the Mockumentary Style Shape What We Do in the Shadows?
- Beyond the House Parties and Truce Testing in What We Do in the Shadows
- What About the Behind-the-Scenes Stories of What We Do in the Shadows?
- Looking Ahead- What Might Come Next for What We Do in the Shadows?
What is the Deal with What We Do in the Shadows Anyway?
So, "What We Do in the Shadows" is a mockumentary, which means it’s filmed as if a film crew is actually following these vampires around. It gives you a sense of being right there with them, seeing all their funny little habits and the strange situations they get into. The whole idea centers on four vampires who, for some reason, have decided to share a house on Staten Island. They are, in a way, just like any other housemates, except for the whole blood-drinking, eternal life thing, and the fact that they have a familiar, Guillermo, who handles all the daylight chores and a lot of their problems, too.
The show starts with us knowing very little about what to expect, and that’s part of its charm, you know? You’re just dropped into their world, watching them try to get by. We learn, for instance, that these vampires are attempting to put together a very fancy blood feast because their ancient master, someone from their really old country, is coming to visit. This is a pretty big deal for them, as it means they have to organize something rather grand, which they aren't exactly good at. It’s a pretty chaotic endeavor, to be honest, and you can see them struggling with the planning.
Another interesting bit that pops up early on involves the delicate peace between the vampires and the werewolves who also live on Staten Island. Yes, you heard that right, werewolves. It seems like this truce, which has been in place for a while, gets a bit wobbly. This creates some rather tense, but mostly funny, moments as both groups try to figure out how to coexist without tearing each other apart. It’s all done with a very light touch, making the interactions between these supernatural beings quite amusing, actually.
Meeting the Unusual Household of What We Do in the Shadows
The heart of "What We Do in the Shadows" truly rests with its very distinct residents. We have Kayvan Novak playing Nandor, Matt Berry as Laszlo, Natasia Demetriou taking on the role of Nadja, and Harvey Guillén portraying Guillermo. Each of these people brings a really special flavor to their part, making the whole group feel like a genuinely odd but very real family. They are, you know, very different from each other, which makes their interactions pretty much always interesting.
Nandor the Relentless in What We Do in the Shadows
Nandor, played by Kayvan Novak, is arguably the most well-meaning of the group, though he often comes across as quite a bit confused by modern life. He was once a very fierce warrior from a faraway land, but now he spends his days, or rather his nights, trying to keep the house in order and dealing with the antics of his housemates. He’s often the one trying to enforce rules or mediate arguments, which is a rather thankless job when you live with such a wild bunch. His attempts to be a good leader, or just a good housemate, are often quite endearing, and sometimes a little sad, too.
His backstory, as we get glimpses of it, is full of battles and grand deeds, but in the present, he’s just trying to figure out how to use a computer or what a chain email is. This contrast between his past glory and his current, rather pathetic existence makes him a very relatable character, in a strange sort of way. You almost feel for him, you know, as he struggles with the simple things that most people take for granted. He really is the anchor of the group, trying to hold things together, even if he doesn't always succeed.
Laszlo and Nadja- A Love Story for the Ages in What We Do in the Shadows
Then there's Laszlo, brought to life by Matt Berry, who is a rather flamboyant and somewhat crude vampire with a passion for the arts, particularly erotic topiary. He is married to Nadja, played by Natasia Demetriou, who is equally passionate, outspoken, and often the voice of reason, or at least, her own unique version of it. Their relationship is a very long-standing one, stretching back centuries, and it’s full of a lot of affection, bickering, and shared memories of past lives. They are, honestly, quite a pair, and their banter is a highlight of the show.
Laszlo’s pronouncements and his general disregard for human norms are always a source of amusement. He often finds himself in the most ridiculous situations, usually due to his own overconfidence or his peculiar interests. Nadja, on the other hand, is a bit more grounded, if a vampire can be called that, and she often has to pull Laszlo back from the brink of total absurdity. Their shared history and their deep connection make their interactions very special, and you can really feel the bond between them, even when they’re arguing over who gets to drain the next victim. They are, you know, quite the power couple in their own strange way.
Guillermo- The Human Touch in What We Do in the Shadows
Harvey Guillén plays Guillermo, Nandor’s long-suffering familiar. Guillermo is a human who dreams of one day becoming a vampire himself, and he dedicates his life to serving Nandor and the others, hoping to earn his transformation. He handles all the practical matters of the house, from paying bills to disposing of bodies, and he’s often the only one with any common sense among the supernatural residents. His loyalty is pretty much unwavering, even when the vampires treat him rather poorly, which is often.
What makes Guillermo’s character so compelling is his quiet determination and his unexpected talents. He’s often overlooked by the vampires, but he proves to be incredibly resourceful and, as the story unfolds, reveals some rather surprising abilities that make him far more than just a servant. His journey is a very important part of the show, and you find yourself really rooting for him as he tries to achieve his dreams while also keeping his rather dangerous housemates out of trouble. He’s, in a way, the audience’s entry point into this very odd world.
The Everyday Unlife of What We Do in the Shadows Residents
The daily, or rather nightly, lives of these vampires are anything but ordinary, yet the show presents them in a very relatable, almost mundane way. They argue over chores, they try to get a good night's rest in their coffins, and they deal with the frustrations of modern technology. One moment they might be planning a grand, old-world blood feast, complete with ancient traditions, and the next they are trying to figure out how to order takeout or deal with a leaky roof. It’s this mix of the fantastical and the utterly boring that makes "What We Do in the Shadows" so very funny.
Their attempts to adapt to the present day are particularly amusing. They’ve been around for centuries, so things like cell phones, the internet, or even just basic social etiquette are completely foreign to them. Watching them try to understand how a normal human goes about their day, or how to interact with people without accidentally revealing their true nature, is a constant source of laughter. They are, you know, pretty much out of touch with everything, and that's part of their charm.
Beyond the simple housemate squabbles, the show often explores their individual pasts and how those experiences shape their current unlives. We get glimpses into the centuries they've lived, the people they've known, and the strange adventures they've had. These historical snippets often provide context for their current personalities and their often-outdated views on the world. It’s a pretty clever way to give depth to characters who could otherwise just be one-note jokes. You get to see, a little bit, what made them who they are.
How Does the Mockumentary Style Shape What We Do in the Shadows?
The mockumentary format is, honestly, a perfect fit for "What We Do in the Shadows." It allows the show to present these absurd situations with a straight face, as if the camera crew is simply documenting the reality of vampire life. This style adds a layer of dry humor, as the vampires often address the camera directly, offering their own biased, often ridiculous, perspectives on events. It’s like they’re giving interviews about their lives, and those interviews are pretty much always gold.
This approach also lets the show play with the idea of "found footage," making the supernatural elements feel a little more grounded, in a very strange way. The shaky camera work, the quick cuts, and the confessional-style interviews all contribute to the feeling that you are watching something genuinely real, even though it's about vampires. It’s a very clever way to make the unbelievable seem, you know, almost believable. It really helps you get into their world.
The reactions of the vampires to the camera crew, or their complete disregard for them, also add to the humor. They often forget the cameras are there, or they try to act a certain way for them, which usually backfires in a funny manner. This style also allows for little asides and reactions that wouldn't work in a traditional sitcom, giving the audience a deeper, more intimate look at the characters' thoughts and feelings, however misguided they might be. It’s a very effective storytelling tool for this particular kind of comedy, and it just works.
Beyond the House Parties and Truce Testing in What We Do in the Shadows
While the initial setup involves a planned blood feast and a tense vampire-werewolf truce, "What We Do in the Shadows" expands far beyond these initial plot points. The show frequently introduces new supernatural beings, strange magical objects, and various challenges that force the vampires out of their comfort zone. Whether it’s a visit from the Vampire Council, a trip to the local supermarket, or an encounter with a ghost, the humor comes from their often-incompetent reactions to these situations. They are, in a way, very bad at being vampires in the modern world.
The show also has a knack for bringing in other familiar supernatural creatures, often with a very funny twist. The werewolves, for instance, are presented as a rather polite, if easily angered, group who have their own set of rules and quirks. These interactions often lead to some of the show's most memorable moments, highlighting the absurdity of these ancient rivalries playing out in a suburban setting. It's almost like a very silly neighborhood watch, but with fangs and fur, you know?
The series also enjoys playing with vampire lore, twisting classic tropes into something new and humorous. From the rules of invitation to the effects of sunlight, everything is given a comedic spin. This deep knowledge of vampire stories, combined with a willingness to poke fun at them, makes the show appealing to both long-time fans of the genre and newcomers alike. It’s a very clever way to keep things fresh and interesting, and you never quite know what old myth they'll turn on its head next.
What About the Behind-the-Scenes Stories of What We Do in the Shadows?
Fans of "What We Do in the Shadows" often talk about the bits that don't always make it into the main episodes, like the commentary parts. People especially enjoyed the offcut commentary from characters like Laszlo and Nadja. These little extra moments often contain some of the funniest insights and add even more to the characters' already rich personalities. It's like getting a little bonus peek into their thoughts, and they are pretty much always hilarious.
These commentary segments, along with the mini history lessons that the ancient vampires sometimes share, really add a lot of depth to the show. The history lessons, in particular, give us a glimpse into the vast amount of time these characters have lived, and the often-ridiculous historical events they've been a part of. It’s a very clever way to weave in backstory without it feeling like a dry history lesson. You get to learn a little bit about their past, and it's usually very funny, too.
There was also a lot of buzz when the cast of "What We Do in the Shadows" attended events like the SXSW film festival. At these events, they would sometimes do things like "convert" new vampires, which was a fun way to interact with their audience and stay in character. The cast, including Jemaine Clement, who helped create the show, would even talk about who they hoped would guest star on future episodes. This kind of interaction really builds a strong connection with the people who watch the show, and it’s pretty cool to see.
Looking Ahead- What Might Come Next for What We Do in the Shadows?
As for what the future holds for "What We Do in the Shadows," it’s something many people are very curious about. The writers, after a successful first season, had a pretty good idea of what they were doing and where the show was going. This comfort allows them to really explore new ideas and push the boundaries of the humor and the story. You can almost feel that they are enjoying themselves, and that comes through in the episodes.
We often get to see more looks at the past as characters from different eras cross paths or as new details about their long lives come to light. This weaving of past and present helps to keep the story fresh and allows for new character dynamics to emerge. It’s a pretty neat way to keep the audience engaged and to continually surprise them with new revelations about these old creatures. You never really know what kind of historical silliness they’ll uncover next.
The show's ability to blend its unique brand of humor with genuine character moments is a big part of its appeal. Whether it’s the vampires trying to deal with human bureaucracy, or their struggles with modern dating, there’s always something new and funny to discover. It’s a show that manages to be both incredibly silly and surprisingly heartfelt at the same time, which is a pretty rare thing to pull off. It really does have a special something, you know?
This exploration of "What We Do in the Shadows" has taken us through the peculiar living situation of the Staten Island vampires, introducing us to Nandor, Laszlo, Nadja, and Guillermo, and their very distinct personalities. We've touched upon the show's clever mockumentary style, which makes their absurd unlives feel oddly real, and discussed how the series expands beyond its initial setup to include various supernatural encounters and comedic twists on vampire lore. We also looked at the fan-favorite behind-the-scenes moments, like character commentaries and historical insights, and considered the show's continued success and its ongoing exploration of character pasts. It’s a series that genuinely brings a lot of laughter and a fresh perspective to the age-old vampire story.
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