What We Do In The Shadows Kayvan Novak

Okay, let's talk about Nandor the Relentless. Or, more accurately, let's talk about Kayvan Novak, the brilliant actor who brings him to life in What We Do In The Shadows.
Confession time: I think he's secretly the funniest part of that show. Yes, even funnier than Laszlo's bat form. Yes, funnier than Colin Robinson’s energy-sucking monologues.
Hear me out! Everyone loves the show. It's a masterpiece of mockumentary hilarity. But Novak's portrayal of Nandor is pure comedic gold.
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The Relentless Charm
Think about it. Nandor is supposed to be this fearsome warrior. A ruthless conqueror from Al Quolanudar. But Kayvan Novak plays him with such endearing cluelessness.
He's perpetually confused. He's desperately trying to be a good leader, a good friend, a good master. And he consistently fails. Gloriously!
His dedication to his familiars, Guillermo in particular, is heartbreaking and hysterical. He promises eternal life, but also forgets to feed him. A true vampire dilemma!

The Accent Deserves an Award
Let's not forget the accent! It's a marvel. It wavers, it dips, it sometimes sounds vaguely Eastern European. Yet, somehow, it always works.
Only Kayvan Novak could deliver lines like "Bat!" with such sincere bewilderment. It's an art form, really. I said what I said.
The way he says "creeeaaakkkk" imitating the sound of a coffin opening? Iconic. Pure comedic genius.
Unpopular Opinion Alert!
Here's where things might get dicey. I think Kayvan Novak's physical comedy is underrated. His reactions, his little gestures, the way he awkwardly tries to be menacing? Priceless.

Remember the episode where he tries to learn to hypnotize with a lamp? The slow-motion fall? Absolute perfection.
Or the constant attempts to intimidate the local homeowners association. Always with a bewildered look.
Beyond the Fangs
It’s not just the funny lines. It's the subtle nuances. Kayvan Novak imbues Nandor with a surprising amount of vulnerability. We see his loneliness, his frustration, his genuine desire for connection.

He wants love! He wants friends! He just doesn't know how to get them, being a centuries-old vampire and all.
It's this blend of strength and weakness that makes him so compelling. That makes him so relatable. (Well, maybe not the vampire part.)
The Ensemble Is Amazing, But...
Of course, the entire cast of What We Do In The Shadows is phenomenal. Natasia Demetriou as Nadja, Matt Berry as Laszlo, Harvey Guillén as Guillermo – they’re all comedic titans.
The writing is sharp, the directing is brilliant, and the special effects are surprisingly good for a comedy. I love all characters!

But for me, Kayvan Novak's performance as Nandor just edges out the competition. It's a masterclass in comedic acting.
Give Him All the Awards!
So, next time you're watching What We Do In The Shadows, take a closer look at Nandor. Appreciate the subtle brilliance of Kayvan Novak. Notice the tiny details.
I predict you'll be laughing even harder. And maybe, just maybe, you'll agree with my "unpopular" opinion.
The Relentless one has stolen our hearts. One awkward, slightly confused, blood-soaked step at a time.
