Disney+ Violent Horror Comedy Puts New Spin On Vampires
What do you get when you put New Zealand’s two funniest guys in a room and tell them to make a movie? The answer is 2014’s horror-comedy What We Do in the Shadows (a comedy so good, you could die), followed by 2019’s sequel series. Written by Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi, this violent horror-comedy series on Disney+ shows modern-day vampires’ “real” lives through a mockumentary lens.
What We Do In The Shadows Is A Vampire Comedy
Set on Staten Island, the show follows the misadventures of a group of vampire roommates navigating the complexities of modern life while grappling with their eternal existence. With its stellar cast, sharp writing, and inventive premise, What We Do in the Shadows has garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase.
The Quirky Creatures Of The Night
What We Do in the Shadows revolves around the lives of traditional vampires Nandor, Laszlo, and Nadja, along with energy vampire Colin and Nandor’s familiar Guillermo. Each character brings a distinct personality and set of quirks to the dynamic household, resulting in a perfect storm of comedic situations. From Laszlo’s eccentric behavior to Nadja’s nostalgic musings about her human life, the vampires clash with the modern world in hilarious ways.
A Comedy With Incredible Performances
The cast of What We Do in the Shadows delivers standout performances, breathing life into their eccentric characters. Kayvan Novak’s portrayal of Nandor the Relentless captures the character’s naïveté and desire for acceptance in the human world. Matt Berry brings his trademark charm to the role of Laszlo, infusing the character with equal parts bravado and vulnerability. Natasia Demetriou shines as Nadja, exuding a mix of elegance and ferocity that defines her character’s persona.
Based On The 2014 Underground Hit
The rest of the main cast is wrapped up by Harvey Guillén, who portrays Guillermo, a man who grapples with his identity and aspirations, Mark Proksch as Colin Robinson, an energy vampire who provides a refreshing twist on the traditional vampire archetype, and Kristen Schaal as The Guide (aka, the Floating Woman), who adds an extra dose of absurdity to the series. Meanwhile, What We Do in the Shadows features a slew of recurring actors and guest stars, including (but not limited to) series creators Taika Waititi and Jermaine Clement (reprising their roles along with Jonathan Brugh from the original movie), comedian Nick Kroll, and Hollywood icon Danny Trejo.
Vampires And A Documentary Crew
From its inception, What We Do in the Shadows embraced its mockumentary format, allowing for a seamless blend of humor and horror. The series pays homage to classic vampire lore while subverting tropes with its modern-day setting and irreverent humor. The show’s creators drew inspiration from various sources, including classic vampire films and literature, to craft a world that feels both familiar and refreshingly original.
An Award Winning Series
Since its debut, What We Do in the Shadows has received widespread critical acclaim, praising its sharp writing, inventive premise, and standout performances. The series has garnered numerous awards, including multiple Emmy nominations for Outstanding Comedy Series.
One Of The Best Comedies On Disney+
In the crowded landscape of television comedy, What We Do in the Shadows is a shining example of originality and wit. With its unforgettable characters, clever writing, and inventive premise, the series has carved out a unique niche in the realm of comedy-horror.
What We Do in the Shadows was recently greenlit for a sixth and final season and is set to release this fall. Every season can be found in the Hulu section of Disney+, which is still in beta and requires subscriptions to both services to access.
