Renfield is a 2023 comedy horror movie directed by Chris McKay and starring Nicholas Hoult, Nicolas Cage, Awkwafina, and Ben Schwartz. The movie is inspired by the character of Renfield from the 1897 novel Dracula by Bram Stoker. The movie tells the story of Renfield, a lawyer who becomes Dracula’s familiar and servant in the early 20th century. Ninety years later, Renfield moves with Dracula to New Orleans, where he joins a self-help group for co-dependent people and falls in love with a cop named Rebecca. Renfield then decides to stand up to Dracula and break free from his servitude.
The movie has many positive aspects, such as the blood and gore effects, the performance of Nicolas Cage as Dracula. The original and creative storyline and idea that gives a new spin on the classic monster tale, and the smart integration of the plot into current society, with references to social media, pop culture, and politics is a welcome integration to modern cinema. The movie also keeps the audience on their toes with unexpected twists and turns, such as Dracula’s true motives, Renfield’s past and choices. The visual effects of Dracula are impressive and terrifying, especially when he transforms into a smoke ghost or a swarm of bats. Nicolas Cage delivers a charismatic and menacing performance as the vampire lord, who is both charming and cruel. The movie also integrates crude humor and slapstick comedy into a fun flick for half of the family.
However, the movie also has some flaws, such as the main actor Nicholas Hoult, who fails to convey the complexity and transformation of Renfield’s character. His change of personality is only shown by his change of clothes, not his acting. He does not seem to have much emotion or motivation for his actions, whether he is serving Dracula or rebelling against him. The movie also suffers from slow pacing during the middle part, where Renfield tries to find himself and break free from Dracula’s influence. The movie could have benefited from more scenes of Renfield’s loyalty and conflict with Dracula, rather than his romance with Rebecca, a traffic cop who does not have much chemistry with. Awkwafina does not have much to do in the movie, except being Renfield’s love interest and comic relief.
Overall, Renfield is a fun and fresh take on the Dracula mythos, but it is not without its flaws. It is a movie that will appeal to fans of horror comedy and action, but it might disappoint those who expect more depth and drama from the characters.
7/10