2014
Taika Waititi / Jemaine Clement
⭐ 7.7
Budget NZ$1.6M, spawned global TV franchise; highest IMDb comedy mockumentary since Spinal Tap
About What We Do in the Shadows
What We Do in the Shadows (2014) is a comedy film directed by Taika Waititi / Jemaine Clement, with an IMDb score of 7.7 and a viewer rating of 4.8/5. The vampire mockumentary that launched an empire — Taika Waititi's Viago and co-directing debut, spawning a TV series and cementing his career. Featuring performances from Taika Waititi, Jemaine Clement, Jonathan Brugh, the film has established itself as a significant work in the comedy genre.
Story & Screenplay
What We Do in the Shadows tells a story that resonates because it combines compelling character development with narrative structure appropriate for the comedy genre. The screenplay balances plot momentum with character depth — rare in genre filmmaking and a key reason for the 7.7 score. The story arc is complete and satisfying without being predictable, delivering emotional beats that justify the film's runtime and keep audiences engaged to the final frame.
Direction & Filmmaking
Taika Waititi / Jemaine Clement's direction of What We Do in the Shadows showcases the craft that defines the film's overall quality. Directorial choices in cinematography, pacing, and performance direction combine to create a cohesive cinematic vision. The 7.7 IMDb score reflects critical and audience alignment with the directorial approach — a strong score that validates Taika Waititi / Jemaine Clement's execution of the material. The film's strengths in staging and visual storytelling are directly attributable to this directorial work.
Cast & Performances
The cast of What We Do in the Shadows — Taika Waititi, Jemaine Clement, Jonathan Brugh — delivers the performances that anchor the film's emotional and narrative impact. Strong acting transforms a well-written screenplay into a genuinely felt experience, and the cast here consistently rises to that challenge. Each principal performance contributes to the 4.8/5 viewer satisfaction. The chemistry between lead actors and the depth of supporting performances create a believable world within the comedy genre framework.
Awards & Recognition
What We Do in the Shadows has received the following recognition: Budget NZ$1.6M, spawned global TV franchise; highest IMDb comedy mockumentary since Spinal Tap. These achievements position it among the most respected works in 2014 comedy cinema. Awards recognition reflects both critical consensus and industry respect — the specific honors earned by What We Do in the Shadows validate the quality of Taika Waititi / Jemaine Clement's direction, the cast's performances, and the overall production quality. For viewers choosing between films in the genre, award recognition is meaningful quality signal.
Cultural & Genre Context
Within the comedy genre, What We Do in the Shadows (2014) occupies a significant position. It demonstrates how the genre can be elevated through strong direction (Taika Waititi / Jemaine Clement), committed performances (Taika Waititi, Jemaine Clement, Jonathan Brugh), and a screenplay that respects audience intelligence. The film's legacy is reflected in its continued presence in recommendation lists years after release. For newcomers to the comedy genre, What We Do in the Shadows serves as an excellent entry point because it exemplifies the genre's best qualities.