Universal continues to try and bring some new energy to its classic horror monsters and mostly succeeds with its latest attempt, Renfield – an action/horror/comedy that puts the spotlight on Dracula’s titular henchman and their toxic relationship.
The film follows Renfield (Nicholas Hoult), the loyal confidant to Count Dracula (Nicolas Cage) who’s been responsible for providing Dracula with victims while also defending him at all costs. After years of endless slaughter and servitude, Renfield begins to wonder if he’s grown tired of doing his master’s bidding. Thus, he decides to aid determined New Orleans police officer Rebecca (Awkwafina) in stopping a destructive crime family that killed her father. Unfortunately, this deeply upsets Dracula and Renfield soon finds himself having to face his master and their complicated relationship.
Renfield is a big mix of genres that can’t always get the balance right in making it a real ode to an iconic horror figure like Dracula. On the horror side, it’s a little weak because it heavily lacks good scares and often the film’s atmosphere and depictions feels a little too light. It’s definitely more focused on being comedic and action-y leading it to somewhat alienate the horror history it’s pulling from. However, Renfield still provides enough good old fashioned gore and clever homages that’ll make it very pleasing for horror fans.
The film pays homage to the classic 1930s origins of Dracula in its opening and puts a new spin on some old lore with Renfield’s character — and its great. Instead of Renfield having an appetite for insects just to creep audiences out, it now allows him to tap into Dracula’s power and become a powerful physical force. This leads to gory action sequences that definitely let the blood flow all over the scenery. With Dracula’s power coursing through his veins, Renfield becomes a dominant fighter capable of decapitating foes and punching through their gut with one swift blow. Even for the film’s blood effects — which are a total eye sore at times — there are some incredible kills which showcase the kind of bloodshed that belongs in a Dracula story.
Renfield has plenty of engaging action sequences that will thrill viewers. The action choreography, along with a slew of bloody and brutal kills, is a lot of fun. They allow both Renfield and Dracula to thrive with their supernatural abilities. Director Chris McKay (The Lego Batman Movie, The Tomorrow War) is able to keep audiences hooked with its more action leaning moments and hilarious banter. Once Renfield starts to fight more formidable opponents, the action only gets better because of how strong the punches feel and how epic the later encounters are. The entire last act is absolute carnage at times and it’s gloriously fun to watch Renfield and Dracula go toe-to-toe.
While the film easily gets to your funny bone, the film is filled with strong performances.
Hoult makes Renfield a charismatic anti-hero trying to find his place for the first time in centuries and who struggles to loosen the grip his master has over him. There’s nothing more adorably funny than watching Renfield try to act normal in his new life but be unable to escape his calling. Hoult’s line delivery is superb throughout and his comedic chemistry with Awkwafina results in some hilarious exchanges between them. Plus, there are other fun characters and gags audiences will laugh at throughout the film – including the support group that Renfield talks with and Ben Schwartz’s goofy villain who isn’t nearly as tough as he wants to be.
The real comedic gem of Renfield though is unsurprisingly Nicolas Cage as Dracula. Cage playing Dracula has been the big talking point of Renfield ever since his casting was announced and he does not disappoint. Cage’s over-the-top acting makes his Dracula have a great comedic bite and he excellently emphasizes the controlling and somewhat domineering nature of the character. His reactions to Renfield’s desire to break away are hilarious and there’s such a goofy vibe to his power that viewers won’t be able to resist laughing at. Also, his performance feels like a nice ode to Bela Lugosi’s depiction of Dracula while still adding his own style of comedy to make it his own. Cage’s Dracula is hard not to love and easily boasts the potential to be a fan-favorite performance of the actor’s career.
Renfield generally excels at making its viewing experience a highly entertaining genre blender, but it also features a strong modern story from Walking Dead creator Robert Kirkman about these two iconic horror figures. Renfield is perfectly depicted as an anti-hero with him finding the people who hurt his support group members and using them to feed Dracula. It’s one of the more interesting twists on his character and this idea of him trying to face his toxic relationship with Dracula works well in creating a relatable modern take on a Dracula story.
While it might beat audiences over the head with the same points and not be too unique its story morals, Renfield has engaging and impactful themes about finding independence and breaking away from the ties that bind. The way it makes you love its characters, and their distinct charm makes it so much easier to care about Renfield’s personal arc and by the end, your heart will definitely be a little warmer. Also, the ending has such a hilariously cheery feel to it that you won’t be able to leave the theater without smiling.
Renfield might not be that modern horror take on Dracula that genre fans are looking for, but it provides a highly entertaining and hilarious take on the character that boasts plenty of great action, characters, and story themes that make for an easy crowd pleaser as well as a very good modern twist on the iconic vampire and his titular minion.
