The trailer for each season of “What We Do in the Shadows” is less a marketing tool and more a glimpse into the delightfully absurd, vampire-infested Staten Island lives we’ve come to adore. It promises, above all else, continued commitment to unpretentious, mockumentary-style comedy, fueled by dysfunctional found family dynamics and the sheer impossibility of eternal life meeting modern mundanity.
A Hilarious Glimpse into Eternal Boredom
The brilliance of “What We Do in the Shadows” isn’t just its witty writing, but its ability to subvert the inherent drama of the vampire mythos. The trailers consistently highlight this: ancient beings wrestling with contemporary frustrations, like paying bills, navigating the internet, and dealing with the relentless energy of Guillermo, their long-suffering familiar (and eventual vampire slayer). Each trailer teases new supernatural encounters, escalating conflicts, and, crucially, a deepened exploration of the characters we’ve grown to love – or perhaps, more accurately, tolerate their eccentricities. The humor derives from the juxtaposition of the ancient and the modern, the powerful and the pathetic, the terrifying and the utterly mundane.
The show’s marketing strategy thrives on ambiguity, offering snippets of plot without revealing the overall narrative arc. This tantalizes viewers, promising a season filled with the same chaotic energy and sharp wit that made the previous installments so successful. Ultimately, the trailer functions as a potent reminder of why “What We Do in the Shadows” is a comedic gem – a show that manages to be both genuinely hilarious and surprisingly heartfelt.
FAQs: Diving Deeper into the Shadows
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the trailer and the show, designed to shed further light on the darkly comedic world of “What We Do in the Shadows.”
What is the central premise of “What We Do in the Shadows”?
The core concept revolves around a group of vampires living as roommates in Staten Island, New York. They are the focus of a documentary crew filming their daily (or nightly) lives as they attempt, with varying degrees of success, to adapt to modern society while upholding their ancient vampire traditions. They are also navigating the responsibilities assigned to them by their Dark Lord, the Baron Afanas.
Who are the main characters featured in the trailers?
The primary cast consists of Nandor the Relentless (Kayvan Novak), Nadja of Antipaxos (Natasia Demetriou), Laszlo Cravensworth (Matt Berry), Colin Robinson (Mark Proksch), and Guillermo de la Cruz (Harvey Guillén). Trailers consistently showcase their individual personalities and the interplay between them.
What type of humor can viewers expect from the show?
The show is known for its dry wit, absurdist situations, and mockumentary style. It relies heavily on character-driven comedy, highlighting the vampires’ inability to grasp modern customs and their ongoing power struggles within the household. Observational humor and satirical takes on vampire tropes are also prevalent.
How accurate are the trailers in reflecting the show’s actual content?
The trailers are generally representative of the show’s tone and humor. They offer glimpses into specific storylines but rarely spoil major plot points. They focus on the overall chaotic energy and character dynamics, giving viewers a solid understanding of what to expect from the season.
Does the show follow a specific narrative arc across seasons?
While each episode often features standalone stories, there are overarching narrative arcs that develop across seasons. These arcs typically involve the characters’ evolving relationships, their interactions with the wider supernatural community, and the consequences of their (often ill-advised) actions. The evolving power dynamic between Guillermo and the vampires, in particular, has been a consistent thread.
Is the show scary or primarily comedic?
“What We Do in the Shadows” is predominantly a comedy. While it features supernatural elements and occasional moments of mild horror, the emphasis is always on humor. The vampires are more pathetic and inept than genuinely terrifying, and the show frequently pokes fun at horror genre conventions.
What makes the show stand out from other vampire-themed media?
The show’s unique mockumentary format, combined with its focus on the mundane aspects of vampire life, sets it apart. Unlike traditional vampire stories that emphasize romance and drama, “What We Do in the Shadows” prioritizes comedic situations and character-driven humor. The deliberate downplaying of the vampires’ power also contributes to its distinct appeal.
How important is the character of Guillermo to the show’s success?
Guillermo is arguably the show’s secret weapon. As the long-suffering familiar, he serves as the audience’s entry point into the vampires’ bizarre world. His growing Vampire Hunting skills provide a compelling narrative thread and his interactions with the vampires are often the source of some of the show’s funniest moments. His quiet observations and exasperated reactions perfectly complement the vampires’ flamboyant personalities.
What kind of supernatural creatures and entities are featured in the show?
Beyond vampires, the show features a wide range of supernatural beings, including werewolves, ghosts, witches, zombies, and various other mythical creatures. These encounters often lead to comedic misunderstandings and chaotic situations, as the vampires attempt to navigate the complexities of the supernatural world.
How does the show address the historical and cultural aspects of vampirism?
While the show doesn’t shy away from referencing classic vampire lore, it often does so in a satirical manner. It acknowledges the vampires’ long and often violent histories but focuses more on their current struggles to adapt to modern society. The vampires’ vanity and self-importance often clash with the realities of their existence, creating a humorous disconnect.
Where is “What We Do in the Shadows” filmed?
While the show is set in Staten Island, New York, it is primarily filmed in Toronto, Canada. The producers utilize a combination of practical sets and location shooting to create the show’s distinctive visual style.
What can viewers expect from future seasons of “What We Do in the Shadows,” based on the trailers?
Based on the established patterns, viewers can anticipate continued character development, escalating conflicts, and new supernatural encounters. The trailers often hint at shifts in power dynamics within the group, as well as the introduction of new characters who disrupt the vampires’ already chaotic lives. The show’s commitment to its unique blend of humor and heart ensures that future seasons will continue to entertain and surprise audiences.