Let’s face it: Mondays tend to suck. For most, it’s the start of a brand new work week. So, you’re probably in need of a laugh or two at the end of the work day. That’s why all Mondays in October are dedicated to the horror-comedy. It’s the best of both worlds.
Back in 2015, What We Do in the Shadows, Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi’s mockumentary, charmed the pants off critics and audiences alike with its loving take down of vampires. The film is so beloved that the filmmakers have been hounded for years with questions on when they’ll get around to making a spinoff/sequel about the pack of swear-averse werewolves. Instead, they gave us a spinoff TV series that’s just as affectionate and hilarious.
It only makes sense to start off 31 Days of Halloween‘s Mondays with one of the decade’s best horror-comedies!
Synopsis: This mockumentary chronicles the lives of four vampire roommates, detailing their nightly routine as they bicker over household chores, cruise for victims, antagonize the local werewolf pack, struggle with modern technology, and more. With their ages ranging from 183 to 8,000, these unhip vampires also make for an unlikely makeshift family that will steal your heart.
Key Players: Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement didn’t just write and direct, they also starred as vampires Viago Von Dorna Schmarten Scheden Heimburg and Vladislav the Poker, respectively. Jonathan Brugh plays vamp Deacon Brucke, and Ben Fransham is the Nosferatu-like 8,000-year-old vampire Petyr. Look for Rhys Darby as Anton, the leader of the local werewolf pack.
Why It’s on the List: From beginning to end, this movie is pure fun. The laughs are nonstop, as Clement and Waititi skewer vampire tropes of all shapes and sizes. It’s clear that it comes from a place of love, too. What We Do in the Shadows is as heartfelt as it is hysterical. Moreover, it’s not just a series of sketches or gags, though there’s plenty; there’s an actual plot, as well. Despite a group of old vampires, this is a film that feels fresh in perspective. Well handled special effects, endless style, and great cinematography all work in conjunction with the insanely funny cast to solidify this as one of the decade’s best.
Please, eat some Basghetti: These loveable vamps are fans of The Lost Boys, and have even decided to borrow a page from David’s mean maggot trick. With their own interpretation and twist, of course. Dinner just gets crazier from there…
Where You Can Watch: What We Do in the Shadows is currently available to stream for free on Hoopla and Kanopy.