What We Do In The Shadows Tropes

Fangs, Frights, and Flatmates: Why We Love What We Do In The Shadows Tropes

Ever wondered what vampires do when they're not, you know, vampiring? What We Do In The Shadows shows us! It's a hilarious mockumentary about a group of vampire roommates living in Staten Island. And it’s packed with familiar tropes, but spun in a way that feels totally fresh.

The Fish Out of Water (But Make it Undead)

These aren't your brooding, romantic vampires. They're ancient, out-of-touch, and utterly clueless about modern life. Imagine trying to explain the internet to someone who's lived for centuries! The humor comes from watching them struggle with everyday tasks like paying rent or understanding TV.

It's the classic "fish out of water" story. But instead of a fish, it’s a centuries-old bloodsucker who thinks chain emails are witchcraft.

The Long-Suffering Familiar

Every vampire needs a familiar. Someone to do their bidding, clean up their messes, and generally put up with their nonsense. In What We Do In The Shadows, that's Guillermo. He dreams of becoming a vampire himself.

He's endlessly devoted, despite being constantly belittled and taken advantage of. But the show hints he has secrets and power of his own. This character really is the heart of the show.

Vampire Lore Turned on Its Head

Garlic, sunlight, stakes through the heart - you know the drill. But What We Do In The Shadows plays with these classic vampire rules. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don't. And sometimes, they lead to utterly ridiculous situations.

Ever wondered what happens when a vampire accidentally vacuums up some sunlight? This show has the answer. It's all about subverting expectations and finding humor in the familiar.

The Found Family Dynamic

Despite all the bickering and backstabbing, the vampires are a family. A dysfunctional, blood-sucking family, but a family nonetheless! They annoy each other, betray each other, and sometimes even try to kill each other.

But at the end of the day, they're there for each other. It is what makes the show oddly heartwarming.

The Mockumentary Format

The mockumentary style is what truly sets What We Do In The Shadows apart. The vampires speak directly to the camera, offering their hilarious (and often unreliable) perspectives on events.

The shaky camera work, awkward interviews, and constant breaking of the fourth wall add to the show's charm. It feels like you're getting an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at vampire life. Which is, of course, completely absurd.

Why It Works: Humor and Heart

What We Do In The Shadows isn't just funny. It's also surprisingly sweet. The characters are flawed, ridiculous, and often downright awful. But you can't help but root for them. Even Nandor the Relentless.

It's a show that celebrates the absurd, the mundane, and the power of found family. Plus, it’s really, really funny. What's not to love?

Beyond the Humor: Unexpected Depth

Beneath the surface of the silliness, the show explores themes of loneliness, aging, and the search for meaning. Laszlo Cravensworth's relationship with Nadja is genuinely touching. They've been together for centuries, and their love is a constant source of amusement and tenderness.

These moments of genuine emotion are what elevate What We Do In The Shadows above a simple comedy. This show shows the characters' love story. It makes it truly special.

So, if you're looking for a show that's funny, clever, and surprisingly heartwarming, give What We Do In The Shadows a try. You might just find yourself becoming a creature of the night (at least in spirit).