There have been countless adaptations of Bram Stoker’s iconic Dracula, from the eerie Nosferatu in 1926 to Francis Coppola’s acclaimed version with Gary Oldman. Now, Universal is reviving its horror classics once again, this time with the perfectly cast Nicolas Cage as the Prince of Darkness. But this film takes a different approach, focusing on Dracula’s long-suffering servant, Renfield, played by Nicholas Hoult in Renfield. Cage’s role, though significant, is actually a supporting one as the story delves into the life of Renfield, who is tasked with bringing his boss’ prey to him and enduring the consequences of Dracula’s whims.
Universal has found a clever way to reboot one of its crown jewels and bring the monster franchise back to life. The film incorporates scenes from Universal’s 1931 version of Dracula, seamlessly inserting Hoult and Cage through the wonders of CGI. But make no mistake, this is not your grandfather’s Dracula. It’s a contemporary dark comedy filled with uninhibited violence and graphic gore, perfectly in tune with today’s horror audiences.
What sets this film apart is Hoult’s portrayal of Renfield, a likable character worn down by his demanding boss. He’s had enough and is searching for his own worth. In a stroke of luck, he discovers a self-help group for people in toxic relationships and finally gets the chance to share his own disastrous story, without explicitly mentioning that it involves Dracula himself. These scenes are delightfully witty and provide a nice contrast to the mayhem that ensues.
Awkwafina’s Rebecca, a New Orleans cop with anger-management issues, also plays a key role in the plot. She aims to take down the city’s biggest crime family, led by the evil Bellafrancesca Lobo and her dim-witted son Tedward. When Rebecca meets Renfield, she realizes he’s the perfect partner to help her in her mission.
Of course, there’s the issue of dealing with Dracula himself. When he discovers Renfield’s newfound independence and disapproval of his lifestyle, he pays a hilarious visit to Renfield’s new apartment, plotting his next move against the unsuspecting group. The film is packed with action, including Dracula teaming up with the Lobos and Renfield’s ultimate reckoning. In just an hour and a half, it all unfolds as genuine fun.
While the film could have balanced the humor and bloodshed more evenly, it’s still a highly enjoyable experience. Hoult is perfectly cast as Renfield, and Cage delivers yet another memorable performance. Awkwafina adds her deadpan style to the mix, while the supporting cast brings their own flair to their roles. Marco Beltrami’s score perfectly captures the essence of classic horror films.
Renfield is directed by Chris McKay and produced by McKay, Robert Kirkman, and others. It will be released in theaters by Universal Pictures. So mark your calendars for April 14, 2023, and get ready for a thrilling and entertaining ride with Renfield and his eccentric companions.
