‘Renfield’ Review – Delivers A Thrilling And Entertaining Experience From Start To Finish

Dracula, the legendary vampire, has captivated the screen for decades, portrayed by a myriad of skilled actors. The movies have predominantly been adaptations of Bram Stoker’s celebrated novel, with each retelling providing a fresh and singular interpretation of the enigmatic Count. While the majority of these depictions have been dramatic in nature, there have been some unconventional renditions that have injected a distinctive flavor into the character. Nevertheless, Dracula’s spellbinding persona has undeniably left an indelible mark on the annals of cinema history.

In a modern-day setting, Dracula (Nicolas Cage) and his loyal sidekick, Renfield (Nicholas Hoult), have traversed the globe for centuries, indulging in their vampiric tendencies while constantly evading the clutches of hunters. Following a particularly brutal encounter that left Dracula severely injured, the pair settle in the vibrant city of New Orleans, where they must rely on each other for survival more than ever before. However, during one of Renfield’s expeditions to procure sustenance for his master, he attends a support group for those trapped in abusive relationships, sparking doubts about his allegiance to Dracula and prompting him to question whether he has made the right choices in life.

Directed by Chris McKay, Renfield is a delightfully chaotic romp that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. McKay’s witty and stylized vision breathes new life into this classic tale of vampiric intrigue, while Nicolas Cage delivers a performance that is both hilarious and mesmerizing. It’s a treat to see Cage in a role that allows him to unleash his full potential, and every line delivery and movement is a pure expression of his unique talent. It’s clear Cage was simply born to play this role, and it’s a ball to watch him on the screen having a blast. You can clearly feel he had a lot of fun with this one. 

Hoult’s performance as the lead protagonist in Renfield felt overlooked at times, but his talent for portraying unconventional yet sympathetic characters (as previously seen in Warm Bodies) is fully on display here, as he brings depth and nuance to his character’s struggles. Hoult’s character endures both physical and emotional abuse from Dracula throughout the film, driving home the movie’s poignant commentary on co-dependency. Through his convincing portrayal of this complex dynamic, Hoult draws the audience in and elicits genuine empathy for his character.

Despite its generally fast-paced and upbeat tone, Renfield does slow down occasionally in its 90-minute runtime. One such subplot involves the character of Rebecca (Awkwafina), a New Orleans police officer who befriends Renfield and shares some enjoyable buddy-cop moments with him. While the film hints at the possibility of a romantic connection between the two characters, it is never fully developed. This ultimately proves to be a wise decision, however, as their dynamic as friends is charming and engaging enough to stand on its own.

Despite the film’s titular character being Renfield, it is perfectly clear Cage steals the show. Cage’s transformation into a ghoul with makeup and sharp teeth is animated and exhilarating, allowing him to fully indulge in his signature acting style we have come to know for many years now. It is a mesmerizing performance that is bloody fun to watch that gives this story a much-needed, and fun boost. 

Renfield hits all the right notes. The humor is dark, witty, and at times profound, and the film delivers plenty of gore and bloodshed to satisfy fans of the horror genre. This is a movie that just “works” from start to finish, with every element coming together to create a thrilling and entertaining experience. It’s clear that the filmmakers knew what they were doing when they set out to make this movie, and the end result is a must-see to sink your teeth into for anyone who loves horror, comedy, or just a good time at the movies.

Renfield is currently playing in theaters courtesy of Universal Pictures. 

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LmO6rmDW08]