Quartile rating: 8/10 · 1 rating
Vampire housemates try to cope with the complexities of modern life and show a newly turned hipster some of the perks of being undead.
What We Do in the Shadows is a genuinely singular comedic achievement — its mockumentary treatment of vampire flatmates is executed with such precise comic timing, deadpan commitment, and inventive world-building that it stands as one of the most distinctive horror-comedies in years. The ensemble cast (Waititi, Clement, Gonzalez, Brugh) deliver performances of remarkable comedic precision, fully inhabiting absurd characters with total sincerity, which is the engine that makes the whole thing work. Novelty is high because the specific voice, tone, and execution feel unmistakably one-of-a-kind — blending New Zealand dry wit with genuine horror lore in a way no other film has. Cinematography earns a solid but unspectacular score; the handheld found-footage style is appropriately chosen and capably executed but is not itself a visual showcase. The plot is episodic and slight by design — more a series of comic set-pieces than a structured narrative — which serves the mockumentary form but limits dramatic stakes. The ending is charming and satisfying without being particularly surprising or resonant, wrapping things up warmly rather than memorably.