Introduction
In the realm of monster movie traditions, Universal Pictures has a storied legacy founded on genre-defining hits from the early 1930s, including classics like Tod Browning’s “Dracula” starring Bela Lugosi and James Whale’s “Frankenstein” featuring Boris Karloff. However, in recent decades, Universal has faced challenges in reviving their iconic monsters to match modern sensibilities and creative takes on out-of-copyright creatures. Past attempts, such as “Van Helsing” and the last remake of “The Mummy,” have been met with mixed reviews, and the ambitious “Dark Universe” project stumbled at the starting line.
A Fresh Approach
Fortunately, the tide seems to be turning with the release of “Renfield,” a dark action-comedy that breathes new life into the Dracula tale. Directed by Chris McKay, this film takes a different approach by putting the spotlight on Renfield (Nicholas Hoult), the long-term minion of the blood-sucking vampire Count Dracula (Nicolas Cage). Instead of focusing solely on the vampire lord, “Renfield” delves into the complexities of Renfield’s character and his co-dependent relationship with the Prince of Darkness.
A Love Letter to Horror Tradition
From the very beginning, it’s evident that Dracula holds a totemic significance for director Chris McKay, who previously featured the vampire in the Robot Chicken TV series and The Lego Batman Movie. “Renfield” exudes a genuine love for the great horror tradition, paying homage to the 1931 “Dracula” by seamlessly integrating Dwight Frye and Bela Lugosi footage through an explanatory opening montage. The film positions itself as the first true sequel to the 1931 classic, specifically since “Dracula’s Daughter” in 1935.
Nicolas Cage’s Unforgettable Dracula
In a remarkable performance, Nicolas Cage breathes life into the character of Dracula like never before. Departing from the romanticized or feral portrayals of vampires, Cage’s Dracula is wickedly evil on all levels. He effortlessly switches between being petty, sarcastic, and manipulative with his loyal but abused minion, Renfield, and then grandiose as he sets his sights on dominating the world. Cage’s portrayal is captivating and deliciously malevolent, firmly establishing himself as the worst boss one could imagine.
An Eclectic Mix
“Renfield” is an eclectic mix of genres, skillfully blending classic horror pastiche, workplace black comedy, and thrilling action reminiscent of 1970s Street Fighter movies or more recent films like “The Raid.” Nicholas Hoult’s Renfield is endearing yet lethal, as Dracula’s blood grants him super-fighting powers. He teams up with Awkwafina’s lone honest cop character to take on the Lobo crime cartel, led by the formidable Shohreh Aghdashloo, with Ben Schwartz providing comic relief as the foul-up Number One Son. The film serves up a horror-comic orgy of gore, with plenty of bad guys meeting their gruesome end, interspersed with poignant moments reflecting on the life Renfield lost due to his servitude and inventive spins on vampire lore.
Heartfelt Performances
As entertaining as Cage’s Dracula is, the movie’s heart comes from the sincere performances of Nicholas Hoult and Awkwafina. They infuse the film with warmth and humanity, providing a balance to the dark comedy and action. Hoult’s Renfield, despite his lethal abilities, has an endearing sweetness that viewers can’t help but root for. Awkwafina brings her signature charm and wit to the role of the honest cop, forming an unlikely but compelling duo with Hoult.
Conclusion
“Renfield” proves to be a delightful and inventive take on the classic Dracula tale. Chris McKay’s direction pays homage to horror tradition while injecting the film with humor, action, and heart. Nicolas Cage’s unforgettable portrayal of Dracula is a highlight, cementing the Count as one of Hollywood’s best monster villains. “Renfield” serves as a reminder to long-time Dracula fans of the character’s enduring legacy and introduces new generations to the captivating world of this iconic vampire. It’s a dark action-comedy that stands on its own, delivering an experience that will entertain and amuse audiences for years to come.
