In 2014, Universal announced plans to reboot their classic monster movies as part of a shared universe. Unfortunately, plans were scrapped following the critical and commercial failure of Dracula Untold and The Mummy. Universal still moved forward with modern updates on their monster properties, focusing on unique storytelling. Robert Kirkman of The Walking Dead fame pitched a concept for a movie focused on Dracula’s servant, Renfield. With a script by Ryan Ridley, Rocketman director Dexter Fletcher was hired but left for a reboot of The Saint. In 2021, Adam McKay got the directing job after delivering a pitch that the studio liked. Nicholas Hoult was hired for the title role, along with Awkwafina, Ben Schwartz, and Nicolas Cage as Dracula. The movie was filmed in New Orleans between February and April 2022 and was planned for a 2023 release. Renfield hit theaters worldwide in April 2023.
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Synopsis
English lawyer Robert Montague Renfield (Nicholas Hoult) visits Count Dracula (Nicolas Cage) to broker a deal for some land. Unfortunately, Renfield becomes Dracula’s familiar, meaning he has to keep Dracula fed from now until the end of time. Ninety years later, Renfield and Dracula have relocated to New Orleans to escape some vampire hunters. While Dracula recuperates, Renfield tries bringing in criminals for his master to feast on, but he wants innocent blood. Meanwhile, police officer Rebecca Quincy (Awkwafina) wants to take down the Lobo crime family for killing her father. She crosses paths with Renfield at a restaurant when Teddy Lobo (Ben Schwartz) and his goons attack. The two slaughter his crew, and Quincy calls Renfield a hero, inspiring him to leave Dracula for a new life. Feeling betrayed, Dracula teams up with the Lobo family as part of his plan to take over the world.
Review
Renfield does deliver on what the trailers promise, but it’s not quite what you think it will be. When the film’s focus is on the relationship between Renfield and Dracula is genuinely engaging, funny, and even heartfelt. However, the subplot about a traffic cop trying to take down a major crime family seems out of place. Granted, the two plots come together by the end, but it almost feels like two movies smashed together. This leads to the film’s over-the-top gore, which is cartoonishly violent and the primary draw of the movie. While I’m generally not a fan of CGI blood, the use of it here adds to the ridiculousness. There are some excellent practical effects to the film’s credit, particularly when you see a weakened Dracula near the beginning. Also, I’m impressed the filmmakers recreated the look and feel of the 1931 Dracula in the opening scene.
Nicholas Hoult does a great job as Renfield, who is likable and sympathetic while showcasing his comedic abilities. Awkwafina is fun as the loud-mouthed traffic cop determined to make a difference and has excellent chemistry with Hoult. As he often does, Nicolas Cage steals the show as Dracula, chewing up all the scenery while still being intimidating. Thankfully, he has enough screen time to leave an impact without feeling overdone, as his over-the-top delivery can be overwhelming. Ben Schwartz is another standout as the cocky Teddy Lobo, who tries to be tough despite relying on others. There are also appearances from Jenna Kanell (Terrifier), Caroline Williams (The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2), and William Ragsdale (Fright Night). The film flies by at only 90 minutes, but the disjointed nature hurts an otherwise enjoyable horror comedy. Overall, Renfield is entertaining, but it could’ve used some refinement in the scripting phase.
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