What We Do in the Shadows, in all its glorious iterations, is a masterclass in comedic world-building, offering a surprisingly nuanced look at the mundane (and horrifying) lives of vampires struggling to adapt to modern society. This guide navigates the tangled chronology of films and television, providing clarity and insight into this unique and hilarious universe.
The Shadowverse Expanded: From Film to TV Phenomenon
The “What We Do in the Shadows” franchise isn’t just a comedy; it’s a carefully crafted ecosystem where ancient beings grapple with Wi-Fi, neighborhood disputes, and the eternal question of what to do with all that blood. Its success lies in its mockumentary style, dry wit, and commitment to the absurd. Understanding its evolution, from the original film to the ongoing TV series, is crucial for appreciating the full scope of its brilliance. The key to its appeal lies in the brilliant juxtaposition of the fantastical and the utterly ordinary.
The initial 2014 film, written and directed by Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi, planted the seed. It offered a glimpse into the lives of four vampire roommates in Wellington, New Zealand, struggling to maintain their undead existence. Its low-budget charm and razor-sharp humor quickly garnered a cult following. This success paved the way for the FX television adaptation, which took the premise and expanded it exponentially, introducing new characters, storylines, and comedic scenarios. While the core comedic style remained consistent, the TV series allowed for deeper character development and a broader exploration of the vampire world. This is all thanks to the brilliance of its creators and the dedication of its writing team.
Exploring the Film: The Foundation of the Shadowverse
The original What We Do in the Shadows film is where it all began. Its influence on the subsequent TV series is undeniable, serving as the blueprint for the mockumentary format and the core themes of vampire life in the 21st century.
Key Characters and Their Quirks
The film introduces us to Viago (Taika Waititi), the endearing and somewhat maternal leader of the house; Vladislav (Jemaine Clement), the eternally grumpy and perpetually humiliated ex-tyrant; Deacon (Jonathan Brugh), the rebellious and often irresponsible “young” vampire; and Petyr (Ben Fransham), the Nosferatu-esque ancient vampire who rarely leaves his coffin. These characters, with their distinct personalities and foibles, laid the groundwork for the TV series, though the TV characters are entirely different. It shows how each vampire struggles with the everyday realities of being undead, from paying rent to attending vampire council meetings. Their interaction with humans, often resulting in hilarious misunderstandings, is a recurring theme that continues in the TV series.
The Film’s Humor and Style
The film’s humor is characterized by its dry wit, situational comedy, and absurdist scenarios. The mockumentary format allows for direct address to the audience, adding another layer of humor and creating a sense of intimacy. The film also incorporates elements of horror, but always with a comedic twist. This blend of horror and comedy is a defining characteristic of the entire franchise. It excels at presenting the mundane realities of the supernatural.
The TV Series: Expanding the Mythos
The TV series, set in Staten Island, New York, takes the premise of the film and expands it to include new characters and storylines. While it retains the mockumentary format and dry humor, it also develops its own distinct identity.
Meet the Staten Island Vampires
The TV series introduces us to Nandor the Relentless (Kayvan Novak), the self-proclaimed leader of the house; Laszlo Cravensworth (Matt Berry), the flamboyant and rakish English vampire; Nadja (Natasia Demetriou), Laszlo’s strong-willed and cynical wife; Colin Robinson (Mark Proksch), the energy vampire who feeds on boredom; and Guillermo (Harvey Guillén), Nandor’s long-suffering familiar. These characters, each with their unique personalities and quirks, form the core of the TV series. Their dynamic, filled with petty squabbles and unexpected moments of camaraderie, is what makes the show so engaging. Their complex relationships drive the narrative.
The TV Series’ Storylines and Themes
The TV series explores a wide range of themes, from the challenges of immortality to the complexities of human relationships. It also delves into the cultural differences between the vampires, highlighting their individual backgrounds and beliefs. Recurring storylines include Nandor’s search for love, Laszlo’s scientific pursuits, Nadja’s entrepreneurial endeavors, Colin Robinson’s unique feeding habits, and Guillermo’s hidden potential. The series also features a variety of guest stars, including appearances from the original film’s cast. One of its best assets is the show’s impressive guest star roster.
The Impact of Guillermo
Guillermo De la Cruz, played brilliantly by Harvey Guillén, is arguably the show’s secret weapon. His arc, from put-upon familiar to badass vampire hunter (and protector of Nandor), provides both comedic relief and genuine emotional depth. His internal struggles, torn between his loyalty to Nandor and his own aspirations, are a major driving force in the series. It’s his presence that gives the narrative the touch of humanity it needs.
FAQs: Demystifying the Shadowverse
Here are some frequently asked questions to help you navigate the world of “What We Do in the Shadows”:
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Is the TV series a direct sequel to the film? No, the TV series is a separate entity, though it exists within the same universe. It features different characters and a different location. There are easter eggs and cameos from the film, but they don’t directly impact the TV series’ storyline.
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Do I need to watch the film before the TV series? While not strictly necessary, watching the film will provide a better understanding of the franchise’s humor and mockumentary style. It offers valuable context for the TV series.
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Are the vampires in the TV series related to the vampires in the film? No, the vampires in the TV series are not directly related to the vampires in the film. They are completely different characters with their own histories and backstories.
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What is an energy vampire? An energy vampire, like Colin Robinson, feeds on the energy of others by boring them to death. They drain people’s vitality through monotonous conversations and tedious activities. It is a unique spin on the traditional vampire myth.
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What is a familiar? A familiar is a human servant who assists vampires in their daily lives, often with the hope of eventually becoming a vampire themselves. Guillermo is Nandor’s familiar. Their eventual transformation is never guaranteed.
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Who are the Sirens in the TV series? The Sirens, portrayed by various guest actresses, are mythical creatures who lure sailors to their doom with their enchanting songs. Nadja was a siren before becoming a vampire. Her past life often resurfaces in her present.
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What is the Vampire Council? The Vampire Council is a global organization of vampires that governs vampire affairs and enforces vampire laws. They are often portrayed as bureaucratic and out of touch.
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How does vampire aging work in this universe? Vampires in this universe are functionally immortal and do not age physically. However, their personalities and behaviors can remain stuck in the era they were turned.
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What is the significance of Guillermo’s Van Helsing lineage? Guillermo’s ancestry as a descendant of the legendary vampire hunter Van Helsing adds a layer of intrigue and potential conflict to his relationship with Nandor and the other vampires. This is a major plot point in later seasons.
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Where is the TV series filmed? The TV series is primarily filmed in Toronto, Canada.
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Will there be more seasons of the TV series? As of the current date, What We Do in the Shadows has been renewed for additional seasons, confirming its continued popularity and critical acclaim. Keep an eye out for further announcements.
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What makes “What We Do in the Shadows” stand out from other vampire stories? Its unique blend of mockumentary style, dry humor, and relatable characters sets it apart. It explores the mundane realities of being a vampire, while simultaneously celebrating the absurdity of the supernatural. The sheer originality of its humor is what sets it apart.
The Future of the Shadowverse
The “What We Do in the Shadows” franchise continues to evolve, with new seasons of the TV series pushing the boundaries of its comedic potential. The show’s ability to consistently deliver fresh and hilarious storylines, while maintaining its unique voice, suggests a bright future for the Shadowverse. Keep an eye out for new developments and prepare to be further entertained by the antics of these lovable (and terrifying) vampires. The innovative writing and performances promise a continuing stream of darkly comic entertainment.