Finding a Little Piece of Home In ‘What We Do in the Shadows’
Zofia Wijaszka
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This article contains spoilers for What We Do in the Shadows season 5.
Creating an unforgettable show or film indisputably requires a tremendous talent and passion for the subject. What We Do in the Shadows is a great example of such talent and passion, which is why it became an instant fan-favorite. The series, created by Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement— and based on their film of the same name—continues to thrive even after multiple seasons. Season 5 is yet another comical entry, packed with outrageous scenes and even better performances. We witness Colin running for office, The Guide (Kristen Schaal) dying for Nadja’s attention, and even a gay parade! The character development continues to thrive as we delve deeper into Nadja’s ancestry as she discovers a taste of her former home right in Staten Island.
In the latest chapter of our favorite vampires’ messy lives, the majority of the focus is on Guillermo (Harvey Guillén), who very, very slowly transforms into a vampire. Nandor (Kayvan Novak) is envious of Guillermo’s relationship with Laszlo (Matt Berry), as the other vampire researches his progress. At the same time, Colin (Mark Proksch) is campaigning for office, and Nadja (Natasia Demetriou) is subjected to a perilous curse that compels her to examine herself and how her acts may have harmed others (read, The Guide).
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In the episode titled “A Night Out with the Guys,” directed by Kyle Newacheck, Nadja is bound to confront the hex that has befallen her. As she discovers an old photo with familiar yet forgotten words etched onto the frame, she sadly realizes she doesn’t really remember the language of her homeland Antipaxos. While looking for Colin’s assistance in having it translated on his computer, the energy vampire thoroughly surprises her. He says, “You could just walk down to Little Antipaxos and have someone translate it for you.”
There, the vampire can’t contain her delight. She rediscovers her ethnicity by going around modest stands, smelling (and even sampling, with disastrous results) the cuisine, and observing forgotten but dear traditions. “So much cheap crap and old fish. It’s like staring out the window of my childhood house,” she exclaims to the camera. As the crew follows her around in the Little Antipaxos, she can’t stop herself from talking about her past: “Oh look, a shitty diner just like my theίa used to run!” With me being an immigrant living in a different country, what Nadja is going through feels very familiar and oddly comforting.
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The aforementioned diner becomes a staple in Nadja’s life in What We Do in the Shadows season 5. After getting support with the translation, Nadja becomes friends with the diner’s owners and their family. She feels perfectly at home in this family-run restaurant, speaking her native tongue and listening to stories of the past. The absurdity of the situation is that no one realizes she’s a vampire, even after she pukes her guts out at the taste of human food. The matriarch of the family even attempts to force some food into her, which is just like my Polish babcia. Perhaps it’s a European thing or maybe a “grandma” thing—nevertheless, it’s beyond heartwarming.
Thankfully, Nadja learns her lesson and substitutes food for the invaluable people who remind her of her culture, teach her the language anew, and make her feel a little more at home. Demetriou’s character can better remember her heritage and where she came from—as a human—even after hundreds of years, thanks to the chosen family. Throughout the next episodes, Nadja’s new loved ones keep popping up as she visits them frequently. In the season finale, she even advises Guillermo: “Look, relationships evolve. Like me and those Antipaxon people who work at the diner. At first, I was just using them to get rid of my hex. But then it turned out I really like hanging out with those guys.”
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There is a unique feeling often accompanying an immigrant when they suddenly discover a little piece of their home in a strange place. Or when they hear their native language amongst people in the street, going about their daily routine. Nadja’s development in season 5 reminded me of this feeling; her situation was utterly relatable. Even after years of living in Los Angeles, I constantly come to a halt when I hear the Polish language being spoken. It frequently occurs at Santa Monica Pier, a popular tourist destination in Los Angeles. It occurred last weekend, coincidentally, when I was writing this feature, in the same exact location.
Even though I rarely connect with those passing by, each of those moments brings a smile to my face, the day gets lighter, and I’m reminded of my childhood, teenage years, and family back home. A similar feeling endures when seeing Nadja with the diner’s owners or when Laszlo meets his beloved wife’s “family” and is an absolute clown about it (as Laszlo sometimes is).
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While What We Do in the Shadows concentrates on the characters’ peculiar escapades, Nadja’s exploration in season 5 only adds to the show’s rich, layered narrative and her character’s depth. At the same time, it once again solidifies Nadja’s place in the plot. She’s not just a supporting character; she’s a vital member of the bat family. Along with Nadja’s growth and return to her origins this season, we observe the progress of others, particularly Guillermo. The creators put all the characters on the same pedestal, each with their own dreams, and goals.
The smooth and constant character growth of What We Do in the Shadows only serves to highlight the skills and competence of the cast and crew. Even after several seasons, they still have an unmatched love for making the audience laugh as we continue to have a grand ol’ time with the vampires. Even though season 5 is over, season 6 is already confirmed to be in the works. We can only hope that it will be just as eccentric and engaging as the previous ones.
What We Do in the Shadows is streaming on Hulu.
Categorized:Editorials
