I hadn’t seen the 2014 movie “What We Do in the Shadows,” so I wasn’t sure what to expect going into FX’s spinoff series of the same name, but man, this show is hilarious. Basically, it’s like watching “The Office,” but with vampires.
Following a similar format as the 2014 movie — likewise created by Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement — “WWDITS” is loosely based around the premise of a film crew making a documentary about three vampires with full access to their daily lives.
In the pilot episode, vampire leader Baron Afanas (Doug Jones) arrives and is angry that the group has not yet taken over the United States. The remainder of the 10-episode season documents the various attempts and misadventures of the group as they try to establish control of Staten Island and surrounding areas.
“What We Do in the Shadows” Season 1 (2019)
FX
Creator: Jemaine Clement
Stars: Kayvan Novak, Matt Berry, Natasia Demetriou
The comedy is a perfect mix of the one-liners and under-the-breath style that writer-director Waititi (“Thor: Ragnarok”) has become known for. And as I mentioned earlier, it plays a lot like “The Office” in a type of documentary/ interview style.
I immediately followed up my viewing of the series by watching the movie, but I was not nearly as impressed as I expected to be. I’m not sure if this is because it shares many of the same jokes and ideas as the series (but not done as well) or if it’s because it has a more over-the-top comedy style — something in the vein of “Shaun of the Dead” — but I didn’t fall in love with the movie.
However, the “WWDITS” series is by far one of the best comedies currently on television. Waititi and Clement have fine-tuned their craft and found their footing in the genre. I recommend everyone check it out. I’m already anxiously awaiting Season 2.