The Marvel Cinematic Universe showed everyone how to properly combine different films into a single narrative. Unfortunately, some have not mastered it. One of the first to get burned was Universal Pictures with its “Dark Universe” based on classic monsters. But what doesn’t work in the format of a shared universe, fits perfectly as an independent project. This is partly how “Renfield” came about. In the review below, we tell how successful the film turned out to be.

“Renfield” / Renfield

Genre comedy horror
Director Chris McKay
In roles Nicolas Cage, Nicolas Hoult, Aquafina, Ben Schwartz
Premiere cinemas
Release year 2023
Site IMDb

The story of the film focuses on the relationship between Dracula (Nicolas Cage) and his servant RM Renfield (Nicholas Hoult). They have been together for many years, and thanks to Dracula, Renfield has gained access to the secrets of eternal life. Eventually, the servant realizes that his relationship with the master is abnormal. And when they move to New Orleans together, Renfield decides to finally end it all. But it’s not so easy to do.

In recent years, Nicolas Cage has appeared in films that focus on the main character or his relationship with a specific character. It was on such a structure that “The Unbearable Weight of Huge Talent” was based. “Renfield” was no exception, let the film have enough of its features.

For example, the basis of the film was invented by Robert Kirkman, known for the comics “The Walking Dead” and “Invulnerable”. With fantasy and unusual ideas, the writer is in complete order. And even if he did not work on the script of “Renfield”, but remained only with the producers, Kirkman’s typical approach is still noticeable in almost every scene.

For the audience, this means that a palpable level of brutality is combined with somewhat absurd humor. But in the context of an unusual look at Dracula, everything looks appropriate. Even when absolute nonsense unfolds on the screen, there are no additional claims to the script – everything is so cleverly combined here.

The main reason to see Renfield at the movies is the acting of Cage and Holt. Their characters are charismatic in their own right, and together they shine on screen. Their toxic relationship and attempts to end it are the main drivers of the story.

The problems begin when the script tries to tell something more than the strange story of the relationship between two equally strange people. And there are enough such moments in the film. Here you will find a love story, side stories, and attempts to show a grotesque criminal drama.

All this does not work and distracts from the main essence of the movie. Instead of trying to understand themselves and each other, the characters spend time on a kind of “additional tasks” – and at such moments, “Renfield” really sags. As for the cinema, the main advantage of which is the main characters, the relationship of these main characters is very often pushed to the background.

“Renfield” maintains a decent level of humor. It is very black and gloomy here, almost absurd in places. But at the same time, he always addresses issues of interpersonal relations that are understandable for all people.

“Renfield” is a genuinely funny film that never descends into outright nonsense.

The mood while watching is somewhat reminiscent of films from the VHS era or movies that are intended to be shown immediately on TV. And that probably only describes “Renfield” best.

Before us is a well-thought-out and soulful, but still somewhat simple-minded movie. Outside of the main characters, it lacks originality, and interesting ideas here are lost in a stream of not very attractive moments.

Pros:
excellent acting by Nicolas Cage and Nicholas Hoult; an interesting idea at the heart of the plot; non-standard disclosure of the topic of toxic codependent relationships; an original look at the image of Dracula; funny comedy part

Cons:
the plot too often distracts from the main strengths of the film; overloaded with unnecessary and frankly uninteresting scenes; there are no other interesting characters besides Renfield and Dracula in the film

Conclusion:

“Renfield” is a really good movie. Of course, if you are able to look at the world with a somewhat down-to-earth view. After all, it has enough sagging moments and uninteresting decisions. However, the foundation is too good to pass up