What We Do in the Shadows Movie: The Ultimate Guide to the Cult Vampire Comedy Masterpiece

Introduction

If you’re into horror comedies with a twist of dry humor, “What We Do in the Shadows Movie” is the movie you can’t miss. Whether you’re already a fan or just hearing about it, this guide will cover everything you need to know about this vampire mockumentary that has become a cult classic in the U.S. and around the world.


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What Is ‘What We Do in the Shadows’ Movie About?

“What We Do in the Shadows” is a 2014 mockumentary-style vampire comedy directed by Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement. Set in Wellington, New Zealand, the film follows four vampire roommates as they try to navigate the challenges of modern life—like paying rent, doing chores, and getting invited into clubs—all while drinking human blood and staying out of sunlight.

The movie blends classic horror tropes with everyday sitcom-style struggles, making it a unique blend of horror and humor.

What We Do in the Shadows Movie

Behind the Scenes: Creators and Cast

This low-budget indie film made big waves thanks to its creative minds:

  • Taika Waititi (Viago): Also known for Thor: Ragnarok and Jojo Rabbit.
  • Jemaine Clement (Vladislav): Comedian from Flight of the Conchords.
  • Jonathan Brugh (Deacon): Brings the rebellious vampire vibe.
  • Ben Fransham (Petyr): The Nosferatu-inspired ancient vampire.

The movie’s improvisational style gave the cast freedom to bring their characters to life. Around 125 hours of footage were shot, most of it unscripted!

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Plot Summary (Spoiler-Free)

The film follows:

  • Viago, a dandyish vampire from the 18th century
  • Vladislav, a tortured former tyrant
  • Deacon, the young rebel of the group
  • Petyr, an 8,000-year-old Nosferatu-like recluse

When a newly turned vampire, Nick, joins the household, chaos (and humor) ensues. They also meet Stu, Nick’s human friend, who becomes an unexpected fan favorite.

Despite being centuries old, these vampires are hilariously bad at blending in with the modern world.

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Key Characters and Their Roles

CharacterActorDescription
ViagoTaika WaititiA refined, polite vampire adjusting to the 21st century
VladislavJemaine ClementTortured and once powerful, now just weird
DeaconJonathan BrughThe “young” vampire who thinks he’s cool
PetyrBen FranshamThe creepy, silent elder
NickCori Gonzalez-MacuerNew vampire who reveals their secret
StuStu RutherfordThe lovable human who charms everyone

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  1. Hilarious Premise: Vampires struggling with everyday problems? Comic gold.
  2. Mockumentary Style: Think The Office meets Dracula.
  3. Universal Themes: Friendship, identity, fitting in.
  4. Relatable Situations: Chores, dating, house meetings.
  5. Sharp Writing & Improv: Most of the humor is natural and unscripted.

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What We Do in the Shadows Movie

Critical Reception and Awards

  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96% Certified Fresh
  • Metacritic Score: 76
  • Awards:
    • Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) People’s Choice
    • New York Film Critics Circle Best First Film
    • Empire Award for Best Comedy

Critics called it “laugh-out-loud funny” and “a future cult classic”—and they were right.

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Where to Watch ‘What We Do in the Shadows’ Movie

Looking for where to stream it in the U.S.?

Top Streaming Platforms:

PlatformAvailable?
Hulu✅ Yes (with subscription)
Amazon Prime Video✅ Rent or Buy
Apple TV✅ Rent or Buy
YouTube Movies✅ Rent or Buy

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Difference Between the Movie and the TV Series

The TV series (2019–present) on FX is a spin-off set in Staten Island, New York, with new vampire roommates and different storylines. While the tone is similar, the series expands the universe and explores new comedy.

MovieTV Series
Set in New ZealandSet in the U.S. (Staten Island)
Features Viago, Vlad, DeaconFeatures Nandor, Laszlo, Nadja
90-minute filmOngoing series with multiple seasons

what we do in the shadows tv vs movie


Fun Facts and Trivia

  • Stu Rutherford, who plays Stu, was not a professional actor—he was a real-life IT guy!
  • The vampire fight scenes were all done with practical effects, not CGI.
  • It was originally a 2005 short film before being made into a full-length movie.
  • Petyr’s character is directly inspired by the vampire from Nosferatu (1922).

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Audience Reactions and Memes

The film has inspired tons of memes, GIFs, and viral content, especially on Reddit and TikTok. Quotes like:

  • “We’re werewolves, not swearwolves!”
  • “I go for a look which I call dead but delicious.”
  • “This is my torture chamber… it’s also my bedroom.”

have become iconic among horror-comedy fans.

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What We Do in the Shadows Movie

Impact on Pop Culture

“What We Do in the Shadows” helped pave the way for:

  • Horror mockumentaries
  • New Zealand comedy in Hollywood
  • Taika Waititi’s Hollywood takeover
  • Mainstream vampire comedy content

Even Saturday Night Live and Brooklyn Nine-Nine have paid homage to its style.

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Why You Should Watch It Today

Still wondering if it’s worth it?

✅ Hilarious writing
✅ Unique storytelling
✅ Memorable characters
✅ Short runtime (90 mins)
✅ Great for horror and comedy fans alike

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FAQs

1. Is “What We Do in the Shadows” scary?

No, it’s more comedy than horror. There are spooky moments, but it’s all in good fun.

2. Is it appropriate for kids?

It’s rated R for language and some violence, so best for older teens and adults.

3. Is the movie connected to the show?

Yes! The show continues the vibe but follows new characters in the same universe.

4. Who should watch this movie?

Anyone who loves smart, offbeat comedies, horror parodies, or mockumentaries.


Final Thoughts

“What We Do in the Shadows” is more than just a vampire flick—it’s a brilliant, genre-bending film that redefines horror-comedy for the modern audience. With stellar performances, innovative storytelling, and endless laughs, it’s no surprise this movie has earned cult status.


🔥 Call to Action: Don’t Miss Out!

Ready to experience one of the funniest vampire movies ever made?

👉 Watch “What We Do in the Shadows” now on Hulu, Amazon Prime, or Apple TV!
👉 Share this guide with your horror-comedy-loving friends.
👉 Don’t forget to check out the TV series once you’re done!

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