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This article contains spoilers for FX Networks’ What We Do in the Shadows.
It’s another year and another Pride Month when the LGBTQ+ community celebrates its pride while also remembering those who have heroically fought for our rights in the past. LGBTQ+ visibility is important not only in the community but also in pop culture, especially in film and television. Growing up, as a member of the community, I didn’t see much representation. Fortunately, when I was studying and establishing myself as a critic, diversity, and LGBTQ+ representation began to flourish. I am overjoyed to see so many diverse, complex queer characters in a variety of shows and films. One of them, without question, is FX Network’s What We Do in the Shadows, which was originally developed as a film by Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement.
After a successful film about three vampires living in modern society, Waititi and Clement created the television show with the same title. The series is a mockumentary in which a team of filmmakers follows and explores the life of vampires, living in modern-day Staten Island. Laszlo Cravensworth (Matt Berry), his wife Nadja (Natasia Demetriou), Nandor the Relentless (Kayvan Novak), an energy vampire Colin Robinson (Mark Proksch), and Nandor’s devoted familiar and vampire aficionado, Guillermo de la Cruz (Harvey Guillén), all live and (try to) co-exist under the same roof. Throughout five seasons, the audience can follow their wild escapades and hear their insane stories from their lives before turning.
Each episode of What We Do in the Shadows is wackier than the last, with the characters attempting to act like humans from the twenty-first century and failing yet always in an entertaining manner. Furthermore, the show features fascinating, multidimensional characters who evolve and grow over the seasons, even going on their adventures later on. For example, in the most recent season, we witness Colin trying his luck in politics, Nadja battling a curse, and even a pride parade hosted by the vampires’ neighbor, Sean (Anthony Atamanuik). The show’s LGBTQ+ representation, however, makes it an ideal choice for discovering and binge-watching during Pride Month.
Let’s start with Guillermo, who not only cemented his place among the vampires, but often frequently steals the show with his generosity, loyalty, passion, and originality. Guillén’s character grows from season to season, eventually discovering that he’s a descendant of Van Helsing. Guillermo finally has a pivotal moment in season 4, when he comes out to his biological family after asking them over for dinner at the Vampire Residence. The touching event is surely memorable, especially since the character is met with love and support. Season 5 also brings him new developments, such as Guillermo’s slow transformation into a vampire. As Nandor envies Guillermo’s friendship with Laszlo, he has no idea the other vampire examines Guillermo’s progress with a scientific eye.
However, Guillermo’s character isn’t the only one as all the residents of the household fall somewhere on the LGBTQ+ spectrum. They simply don’t define their sexuality and, instead, allow it to flow freely. That may be one of the most vital aspects of What We Do in the Shadows. Nadja and Laszlo, as well as Nandor and even Colin, aren’t reluctant to speak openly about their sexual experiences with both women and men during on-camera interviews. At the same time, their sexuality is an aspect of who they are but not the most crucial part; it’s simply a natural thing and a part of them. It’s no surprise Sean asks for their assistance during the pride parade episode, which is one of the most hilarious episodes of season 5.
In summary, if you haven’t seen What We Do in the Shadows, you must! Laszlo famously quipped, “Trust me, gay is in. Gay is hot. I want some gay. Gay, it’s gonna be”. That’s something the creators deliver. Believe me when I tell you that won’t be able to stop watching because the show has the unique ability to transport the audience to Staten Island and allow us to escape from our daily lives for a little while. In addition to its commendable LGBTQ+ representation, the show makes you invested in the characters’ lives as you cheer them on, no matter what they do—even if it’s Nandor, trying to fly to space.
All 5 seasons of What We Do in the Shadows are available for streaming on Hulu.
What We Do in the Shadows
“Don't ask what they do outside the shadows.” A documentary-style look into the daily (or rather, nightly) lives of a group of vampires in Staten Island who have “lived” together for hundreds and hundreds of years.
Release Date: March 27, 2019
Director: Jemaine Clement
Cast: Kayvan Novak , Matt Berry , Natasia Demetriou
