What We Do in the Shadows (2015) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The movie takes place in Wellington, New Zealand, specifically in the suburb of Te Aro. This area is described as a lively urban environment with a mix of modern cafes, art galleries, and historical architecture. The filmmakers chose this location as a contrast to the ancient vampires' centuries-old traditions.

• wellington
• te aro
• new zealand
• setting
• location

The story is set in modern-day Wellington, though the vampires themselves come from different historical eras. Viago hails from the 17th century, Vladislav from the 12th century, and Deacon from the 19th century. This creates an interesting juxtaposition between the contemporary world and the characters' ancient origins.

• modern day
• time period
• 20th century
• historical
• eras

The three main vampires are Viago, Deacon, and Vladislav, who share a dilapidated house in Wellington. A fourth vampire named Petyr also joins their household. Each character represents a different era and personality type, creating the dynamic tensions that drive the film's humor and heart.

• viago
• deacon
• vladislav
• petyr
• vampires
• characters

Viago is a 17th-century vampire known for his charming and romantic nature. He is portrayed by Taika Waititi and serves as one of the more caring figures in the vampire household. His deep desire to reconnect with his long-lost love, Katherine, drives much of the film's emotional arcs.

• viago
• taika waititi
• 17th century
• romantic
• backstory

Vladislav, also known as 'Vladislav the Poker,' is a flamboyant vampire from the 12th century, played by Jemaine Clement. He wrestles with haunting memories and past romantic entanglements, displaying a mix of arrogance and vulnerability. His character showcases both comedic traits and deeper emotional struggles.

• vladislav
• jemaine clement
• 12th century
• flamboyant

Petyr is an ancient vampire who resembles classic horror creatures like Count Orlok. Unlike the more civilized vampires, he behaves more like a wild animal with raw instincts. His mysterious and reclusive nature creates a unique dynamic within the household, adding both fear and fascination to the group.

• petyr
• ancient
• classic vampire
• orlok
• instincts
• different

Deacon is a rebellious 19th-century vampire characterized by his youthful energy and disdain for tradition. He struggles with feelings of inadequacy regarding his place in the group and often clashes with the more established vampires. His rebellious spirit and impulsive decisions drive much of the film's drama and conflict.

• deacon
• 19th century
• rebellious
• tradition
• youth

The film explores several key themes: vampirism as both a supernatural condition and an identity struggle, the importance of friendship and found family, and the quest for identity as characters reconcile their pasts with their present realities. These themes are explored through the lens of comedic mockumentary storytelling.

• themes
• vampirism
• friendship
• identity
• meaning

The film presents vampirism as both a supernatural condition and a metaphor for aging and identity struggles. It explores how ancient beings adapt (or fail to adapt) to modern life, dealing with mundane problems like paying bills and dealing with neighbors while maintaining their undead nature and supernatural needs.

• vampirism
• supernatural
• adaptation
• modern life
• identity

Friendship is a central theme, particularly through the bond that develops between the vampires and their human aide, Jackie. The film showcases how camaraderie evolves across species and lifestyles, emphasizing support and acceptance regardless of one's nature. This theme provides the emotional core amid the comedy.

• friendship
• jackie
• bond
• support
• acceptance

Identity emerges as characters juggle their vampire existence with human desires and reconcile their pasts with present realities. Nick's struggle to adapt to vampirism highlights the complexities of identity transformation. The film humorously examines how one's nature defines or challenges their sense of self.

• identity
• transformation
• self
• vampire nature
• past present

The film is primarily a comedy that uses horror elements and vampire mythology for humorous effect. It uses a mockumentary format to present supernatural subject matter in an absurd, light-hearted way. While it deals with dark themes like death and violence, these are treated as jokes rather than sources of genuine tension or horror.

• comedy
• horror
• tone
• mockumentary
• humor
• genre

The modern urban setting of Wellington serves as a stark contrast to the vampires' ancient origins. Their struggles with everyday modern problems, paying bills, cleaning up messes, dealing with annoying neighbors, highlight the absurdity of immortal beings trying to navigate contemporary urban life. This contrast drives much of the film's comedy.

• urban
• modern
• contrast
• everyday problems
• Wellington
• city life