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What We Do in the Shadows: Interviews with Some Vampires

Name: What We Do in the Shadows: Interviews with Some Vampires
Director: Taika Waititi, Jemaine Clement
Released: 2005
Duration: 28 min

Representation Score

7.3/10

Good

2005

Not Rated

Director

Taika Waititi, Jemaine Clement

Runtime

28 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The film succeeds in deconstructing traditional horror hierarchies by replacing the predator/victim dynamic with a study of domestic dysfunction. It effectively subverts masculine archetypes, presenting powerful creatures as socially inept roommates rather than dominant figures. While the film offers progressive subversions of power and authority, it lacks depth in characters who reflect more than one aspect of diversity. There is a notable absence of dedicated narratives surrounding disability or explicit LGBTQ+ identities. Ultimately, the work achieves a unique perspective by prioritizing a secular, nihilistic view of immortality over grand mythic narratives, using its New Zealand setting to provide a non-Anglo-centric atmosphere.

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Category Breakdown

Does What We Do in the Shadows: Interviews with Some Vampires have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film includes Viago, a flamboyant 19th-century dandy, showcasing non-traditional gender expression. However, there are no explicit queer-centric plots or overt romantic subplots involving same-sex intimacy.

How does What We Do in the Shadows: Interviews with Some Vampires portray gender?

Fair

Masculinity is challenged by depicting ancient predators through domestic incompetence and trivial disputes. This humorous approach replaces stoic, dominant leaders with characters defined by social ineptitude.

How racially and ethnically diverse is What We Do in the Shadows: Interviews with Some Vampires?

Fair

Set in Wellington, New Zealand, the film uses a localized lens that avoids Hollywood's white-centric horror traditions. The regional setting provides an authentic perspective that challenges North American cinematic norms.

How does What We Do in the Shadows: Interviews with Some Vampires represent religion and culture?

Good

The mockumentary format shifts the focus from good versus evil to situational ethics and the banality of existence. Characters operate outside conventional religious or patriotic frameworks.

Does What We Do in the Shadows: Interviews with Some Vampires include disability representation?

Limited

The film lacks meaningful representation of visible or invisible disabilities. Characters are defined by their supernatural status rather than neurodivergence or physical impairment.

Present on Screen

Subverts traditional masculine hierarchies by portraying vampires through a lens of domestic incompetence.
Utilizes a localized New Zealand setting to challenge North American-centric horror clichés.
Deconstructs the 'monster' archetype by focusing on the banality of existence and social alienation.

Limited or Absent

Lacks explicit, identity-driven narratives regarding LGBTQ+ characters or romantic subplots.
Provides no significant or meaningful representation of physical or neurodivergent disabilities.
Focuses primarily on a male-centric household, limiting broader perspectives that reflect multiple aspects of identity.

Official Synopsis

Who says being an undead creature of the night is easy? With that in mind, three ancient friends—centuries-old vampires Vulvus, the romantic and temperamental Lord Byron wannabe; Viago, the flamboyant 19th-century dandy; and Deacon, the rebellious 107-year-old youngster—invite a documentary crew to shed light on a vampire’s daily life. Starting from the fateful day of their eternal transformation, these modern-day blood-suckers don’t shy away from answering deeply personal questions about their quirky flatmate situation—after all, this is an interview, not just an excuse for a quick bite.Will we ever truly find out what vampires do in the shadows?

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