Dark vampire comedy What We Do in the Shadows reveals the lighter side of these slick blood-suckers [Review]

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By Melanie Leung
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By Melanie Leung |
Published: 
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If you thought it was impossible to combine comedy and horror into one movie, What We Do In the Shadows will change your mind. It's a mockumentary that is hilarious and warm, but extremely chilling at the same time.

Viago, Deacon, Vladislav and Petyr are four vampires sharing a flat in New Zealand's Wellington. Even Deacon, the youngest, is already 183 years old.

When Petyr turns a visitor named Nick into a vampire, Nick introduces the group to his human friend, a computer geek who teaches them to use modern technology. The vampires can finally avoid getting scorched and watch a sunrise - on YouTube.

But when Nick keeps telling everyone his identity, trouble ensues and the bickering flatmates have a lot more to worry about than whose turn it is to do the dishes.

Shot on a low budget, the special effects are tawdry enough to fit the film's raw style, while the script's pacing will have you laughing every other minute.

But behind the laughter, directors Taika Waititi and Flight of the Conchords' Jemaine Clement (who also star as Viago and Vladislav) present a darker reflection of our complex society. Which is worse, well-meaning vampires or ruthless, violent humans?

Contains violent and mature content

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