Is What We Do in the Shadows Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, What We Do in the Shadows is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 86 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
What We Do in the Shadows Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2014, What We Do in the Shadows emerges as a significant entry in the Comedy, Horror domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Vampire housemates try to cope with the complexities of modern life and show a newly turned hipster some of the perks of being undead. Unlike standard genre fare, What We Do in the Shadows attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a refreshing take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and What We Do in the Shadows features a noteworthy lineup led by Jemaine Clement . Supported by the likes of Taika Waititi and Jonny Brugh , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: The lead actors exhibit a remarkable range, navigating the emotional peaks and valleys of their respective characters with a precision that makes every motivation feel earned.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of What We Do in the Shadows (2014) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.6/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.
What We Do in the Shadows Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: What We Do in the Shadows is a Comedy, Horror film that brings laughter through clever writing and comedic timing, offering both entertainment and social commentary. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The comedic structure relies on both situational humor and character-based comedy. Vampire housemates try to cope with the complexities of modern life and show a newly turned hipster some of the perks of being undead. The film finds humor in relatable situations while maintaining narrative momentum. The jokes serve the story, with callbacks and running gags that reward attentive viewers.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The opening establishes the comedic tone and introduces the central conflict through humor and character quirks.
- Character Arc: The protagonist undergoes a meaningful transformation, with their journey feeling earned and emotionally resonant. Supporting characters are well-developed, each serving a purpose in the narrative.
- Climax & Resolution: The comedic climax ties together running gags and character arcs, delivering both laughs and emotional satisfaction.
Thematic Depth
The film operates on multiple levels, using its genre framework to explore deeper themes about human nature, society, and the choices that define us.
What Works & What Doesn't
✅ Strengths
- Exceptional storytelling that balances entertainment with substance
- Strong performances that bring depth to the characters
- Technical excellence in cinematography, editing, and sound design
⚠️ Weaknesses
- Minor pacing issues that do not significantly detract from the experience
- A few underdeveloped subplots
What We Do in the Shadows Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: What We Do in the Shadows resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to comedy resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, creating a memorable conclusion that audiences have responded to positively.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the comedy themes in a way that feels organic to the story.
The final moments of What We Do in the Shadows demonstrate careful narrative planning, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch What We Do in the Shadows?
Highly Recommended For:
- Fans of Comedy cinema looking for quality storytelling
- Viewers who appreciate smart humor and well-timed comedic performances
- Anyone seeking a well-crafted film that delivers on its promises
What We Do in the Shadows Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $1.6M |
| Worldwide Gross | $6.3M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
What We Do in the Shadows Budget
The estimated production budget for What We Do in the Shadows is $1.6M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of What We Do in the Shadows
- Jemaine Clement – Vladislav
- Taika Waititi – Viago
- Jonny Brugh – Deacon
- Cori Gonzalez-Macuer – Nick
- Stu Rutherford – Stu
Top Highlights
Jemaine ClementVladislav
Taika WaititiViago
Jonny BrughDeacon
Cori Gonzalez-MacuerNick
Stu RutherfordStu
Ben FranshamPetyr
Jackie van BeekJackie
Elena StejkoPauline (The Beast)
Jason HoyteJulian
Karen O'LearyPolicewoman
Where to Watch What We Do in the Shadows Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Apple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
What We Do in the Shadows is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.6/10, and global collection metrics, What We Do in the Shadows stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2014 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is What We Do in the Shadows movie hit or flop?
What We Do in the Shadows is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.6/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Comedy, Horror movies.
Is What We Do in the Shadows worth watching?
Yes, What We Do in the Shadows is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Comedy, Horror cinema.
Where can I watch What We Do in the Shadows online?
What We Do in the Shadows may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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Critic Reviews for What We Do in the Shadows
> The video document of the life of the vampires. A documentary style horror comedy based on the short film of the same name by the same directors. I would say it is an interview with the vampires in the Kiwi style. The film follows a group of vampires living in an old mansion and their everyday routine, including how they manage to get blood and confrontation with other mutants are documented. Definitely a wonderful comedy, but feels like a mix of 'Dark Shadows' and 'Addams Family'. The title implies the nightlife of these creatures, especially adapting the modern way of lifestyle. So their exploration begins here for their video document. Being different is how much struggle is what the film focused. Threats from various quarters and getting over from every disastrous event is revealed. Quite an interesting vampire film with the awesome characters and of course the entire film was shot in the dark time. It is not a cliché, but just a spoof of the typical vampire theme. Cleverly written screenplay and direction with the well supported performances. Looks like many people had loved it, I'm slightly on the different side that I enjoyed watching it but did not like much. Because I have seen better film in the similar concept. So I still recommend it because it is worth a watch. 6/10
'What We Do In The Shadows' is an hilarious mockumentary film by the makers of 'Flight of the Conchords'. The movie is filed with brilliant homages and references to vampire films such as 'The Lost Boys', 'Twilight' and 'Let The Right One In'. The directorial style is very similar to the hit TV show 'The Office' as it is able to create humour in the realism and personal interviews and monologues. This method also allows it to be genuinely scary at times such as when we meet the housemate inspired by 'Nosferatu'. The extreme and realistic gore also comes across as very brutal and juxtaposes the silly gags. The actors are all very good. Dead pan. Great delivery. ★★★★
Not the vampires we wanted but the vampires we needed. Say whatever about Taika Waititi, but he is a capable screen writer, director and comedian. It is story about a bunch of vampires in a reality show and their interaction with the modern world, that made Waititi a famous director.
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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Browse All Box Office ReportsGlobal Hit-or-Flop VerdictsIs it Worth Watching? GuideIs What We Do in the Shadows Worth Watching?What We Do in the Shadows Box Office VerdictWhat We Do in the Shadows Collection & BudgetWhere to Watch What We Do in the Shadows OnlineBest Movies of 2014Top Rated Comedy MoviesMore Comedy MoviesMore Horror MoviesJemaine Clement Movies & Hits
