Every few years, a secret society in New Zealand hosts a special event called "The Unholy Masquerade." This year, in the month leading up to the ball, a documentary crew has been granted full access to a small group from this society. Each crew member is allowed to wear a crucifix and is provided with protection. Prepare to witness a film unlike any other. The film begins by introducing its characters. First, we meet Viago, played by Taika Waititi, who is three hundred seventy-nine years old. He wakes up at 6 PM and follows a morning routine that involves getting his flatmates up. Viago is quite particular about his surroundings and often nags his roommates to keep the house in order. We also see his interactions with other household members, including Petyr, portrayed by Ben Fransham, who is at least eight thousand years old. Due to his age, Petyr tends to keep to himself and has a rather creepy demeanour. Deacon (Jonny Brugh) is an unruly vampire one hundred eighty-three years old. He often engages in outrageous antics and embodies the group's bad boy. Lastly, we have Vladislav (Jemaine Clement), an eight-hundred-year-old vampire who is quite the character. As a charming gentleman, he takes pleasure in torturing others. As you can probably tell, all these characters are vampires! As this mockumentary unfolds, viewers will witness the interactions among vampires at home, their attempts to enter various clubs, and their encounters with other vampires while in town. During the night, these vampires often seek new victims, luring them back to their homes, where they are brutally killed. However, when they target Nick (Cori Gonzalez-Macuer), the dynamics within the house become more complex and challenging, significantly when Nick is transformed into a vampire. For those who may not be familiar with it, What We Do in the Shadows is a comedy film. Its mockumentary style also allows it to be categorised as a documentary parody. Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement directed the movie and served as the leading writers. The concept of a documentary crew following vampire housemates is a brilliant idea for a film that has never been explored in cinema before. The movie is filled with witty one-liners and playful jokes. For instance, one housemate complains that no one ever cleans the bloody dishes when all the dishes are covered in blood. Additionally, because they are vampires, they cannot see their reflections. This leads them to draw portrayals of themselves on paper, showcasing how well-groomed they think they are before heading out. No matter how often I watch this film, it makes me laugh and smile as if I’m seeing it for the first time. The comedy is exceptionally well-crafted in every aspect. Overall, What We Do in the Shadows is a remarkably clever film that feels fresh and introduces new concepts and ideas rarely explored in cinema. The humour is outstanding, featuring well-timed delivery, snappy dialogue, and brilliant comedic performances. If you’ve ever wondered what life would be like for a vampire living in the modern world, this film provides an entertaining glimpse into that scenario. It’s a must-watch! * This review has been written for Sanity. For more reviews from Walkden Entertainment, check out the link here: www.walkdenentertainment.com

Good movie worth watching recommended thanks