The show’s visual identity is built on a foundation of clashing with the mundane reality of the 21st century.
: The vampire residence is a character in its own right. Production designer Shayne Fox utilizes heavy velvets, taxidermy, and endless stacks of occult artifacts to create a home that feels centuries old. What We Do in the Shadows image
: Using a handheld, documentary-style camera, cinematographers like DJ Stipsen light scenes primarily with "diegetic" sources—meaning the light often comes from on-screen candles, lamps, or moonlight, making the vampires feel grounded in their dark reality. The show’s visual identity is built on a
: From Nandor’s Al-Quolanudar warrior armor to Nadja’s intricate Victorian Rococo dresses, the costumes highlight the characters' inability to let go of their past glories. Iconic Imagery : Using a handheld
The " What We Do in the Shadows " franchise—spanning the original 2014 mockumentary film and the acclaimed FX series—is a masterclass in visual storytelling. Its unique "antique-meets-absurd" image has redefined the vampire aesthetic for a modern audience. The Visual Language of Staten Island (and Wellington)
What We Do In The Shadows Vampire Character Inspiration Explained ScreenRant 'What We Do in the Shadows': How Show Grounds Its Vampires
The visual humor often stems from the juxtaposition of these powerful ancient beings in hilariously human situations.