Renfield (Nicholas Hoult) finds himself increasingly weary of his codependent and toxic relationship with his narcissistic employer, Dracula (Nicolas Cage). Discovering a twelve-step program designed for individuals in addictive relationships, Renfield begins to contemplate a life beyond Dracula’s influence. In this pursuit, he encounters Rebecca (Awkwafina) and begins to envision a future beyond servitude to blood and death. However, Dracula has no intention of relinquishing his hold on Renfield.
The character of Renfield is a staple in Dracula adaptations. In Francis Ford Coppola’s Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992), he was portrayed by Tom Waits. Traditionally a supporting character, Renfield is depicted as downtrodden and subjected to humiliation, performing menial tasks for Dracula during daylight hours. The premise of a film centering on Renfield is intriguing, further enhanced by the prospect of Nicholas Cage’s unhinged portrayal of Dracula.
A film with this premise risks becoming overly campy. Director Chris McKay, however, successfully navigates this challenge, leveraging his experience balancing eccentric elements in projects such as The Lego Batman Movie and The Tomorrow War.
The film’s violence is graphic and unrestrained, a welcome departure from more sanitized portrayals. Nicholas Hoult delivers a compelling performance as the long-suffering Renfield, mirroring Cage’s commitment to the role. Hoult effectively conveys a suppressed intensity beneath a seemingly mild-mannered exterior.
A significant weakness in Renfield is Awkwafina’s portrayal of Rebecca. Her performance feels miscast, lacking the necessary conviction for the role. While her previous performances in Jumanji: The Next Level and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings were adequate, her contribution to Renfield detracts from the film’s overall quality, which is particularly disappointing given the film’s strengths in other areas.
The Blu-ray edition exhibits excellent picture quality, with deep blacks that enhance details, particularly within Dracula’s lair. The 7.1 DTS Master Audio sound mix provides impactful audio, especially during the climactic battle sequence. Unfortunately, as is often the case with Universal Pictures releases, the Blu-ray lacks supplemental features. Additional behind-the-scenes content would have been highly appreciated.
In conclusion, Renfield is a worthwhile viewing experience. Were it not for the casting of Awkwafina and the absence of bonus content, it would be an essential addition to any film collection.
SF studios provided a review copy for this evaluation. The provision of review materials does not influence our editorial independence. Our reviews are conducted independently, with our readership and consumers as our primary focus.
