‘Renfield,’ starring Nicholas Hoult and Nicolas Cage, is an impressive new horror comedy. It was released in theaters on April 14 via Universal Pictures.
The synopsis is: In this contemporary monster tale of Dracula’s dedicated servant, Nicholas Hoult stars as Renfield, the tortured aide to history’s most narcissistic boss, Dracula (Academy Award winner Nicolas Cage).
Renfield is subsequently forced to procure his master’s prey and do his every bidding, no matter how debased. 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.
The movie was directed by Chris McKay from a screenplay by Ryan Ridley. While the screenplay may be mediocre at best, the acting performances more than make up for it.
Nicholas Hoult steals every scene he is in as the traumatized yet suave title character, and he has solid chemistry with Nicholas Cage.
Awkwafina and Shohreh Aghdashloo are also memorable in their roles as Rebecca and Bella-Francesca respectively. In fact the entire cast is noteworthy, including James Moses as Black Captain Browning and Ben Schwartz as Tedward Lobo.
Cage is transformative in the role as Dracula, and he makes this complex anti-hero character one that the audience wants to secretly root for. Cage’s performance is dynamic, campy, controlled (where the viewer can slightly recall Jack Nicholson in “Batman”), and theatrical, all in one.
This gory film sheds a light on the aftermath and toxicity of narcissistic relationships. It underscores such themes as darkness vs. light, pain vs. pleasure, as well as faith vs. reality.
The Verdict
Overall, “Renfield” is bloody yet thoroughly entertaining and refreshing. It has a retro vibe to it, and it encompasses elements of horror, mystery, action, suspense, comedy, and fantasy.
In many ways, it is director Chris McKay’s love letter to the horror movie genre. The audience should buckle up while Nicholas Hoult and Nicolas Cage take viewers on a crazy ride. “Renfield” garners a B+ rating.
