About the film (courtesy of Universal Pictures):
In this modern monster tale of Dracula’s loyal servant, Nicholas Hoult stars as Renfield, the tortured aide to history’s most narcissistic boss, Dracula (Nicolas Cage). Renfield is forced to procure his master’s prey and do his every bidding, no matter how debased. But now, after centuries of servitude, Renfield is ready to see if there’s a life outside the shadow of The Prince of Darkness. If only he can figure out how to end his codependency.
Undoubtedly you’ve had to have heard the tales of Dracula six ways from Sunday, and if you’re not familiar with this particular idiom, it simply means in every way possible, having done something completely, having addressed every alternative. This being said, cagy (no pun intended) director Chris McKay and his pair of wonderfully talented duo of writers, Ryan Ridley and Robert Kirkman (yes, THAT Robert Kirkman writer of soooooo many episodes of The Walking Dead universe shows), have come together to collaborate on a story of the Prince of Darkness and his Familiar, Renfield, that is far more entertaining than most of its predecessors.
Renfield breathes new life into an old stale story that has been told many, many times before. One of the more refreshing things about this particular version is that its told from mostly Renfield’s (Nicholas Hoult) perspective. The thing is you can’t have a servant without a master, and that in this case is Dracula (Nicolas Cage). This story leans into most of the lore most know, but places a comic twist on things that transpires in order to make it more consumer friendly and dare I say, fun, for audiences to experience full enjoyment.
Renfield does not take itself seriously, even though there’s a more than fair share of blood and carnage throughout. This film definitely earns its R rating, but in an over the top and fun way. In addition to Hoult and Cage, there are many other actors that lend a helping, sometimes even severed, hand to help things along. Awkwafina and Ben Schwartz are both great in bringing some additional fun comedy throughout this crazy story.
If you’re looking for more of a classic retelling of the story of Dracula and his servant, Renfield is definitely not it. Instead, this story leans into the campiness and exploitive violence for a fun blood-soaked romp. I must sound like a psycho rambling on about the fun violence, but in this case it is warranted.
Nicolas Cage has already taken a bite from the vampire comedy apple with Vampire’s Kiss (1998) and is seemingly back for more. Nicholas Hoult found similar success in Warm Bodies (2013). Albeit not of the vampire genre, this “undead film with emotions” is arguably similar in ways to this character where it’s his emotions that drive him.
Take all of this as you will but Renfield makes for a pretty entertaining time out to the theaters and the best part is that there’s not much beating around the bush thanks to its minimal and VERY welcome brisk runtime of 93 minutes! I say check out on of the trailers or commercials first, and if it at all piques your interest, purchase yourself a ticket and get ready for a wild and entertaining ride.
Renfield flies into theaters Friday, April 14th with earlier showtimes Thursday evening. I invite you in.
