Renfield 2023

The premise of having the story focusing on Dracula's familiar instead of Dracula himself sounded like a great original idea. The thing is Nicolas Cage as Dracula is far more interesting than whatever they tried to do with Renfield. Whenever Dracula was on-screen I was entertained but it just becomes boring whenever Renfield is around. A great deal of the movie doesn't even focus on him either, it's mostly about the local crime family and the corrupt police department subplot. They certainly tried with the comedy and I got some What We Do in The Shadows vibes for most of the runtime but it's not nearly as funny, nor is it an interesting satire on vampires. I'm totally ok with cringe but none of the comedy really worked for me, I laughed maybe twice. It would have been forgivable if the action sequences were good at least but that's not the case. The blood is entirely ugly-looking CGI, the action has no stakes and characters with no powers (ex: Awkwafina's character) fight as if they have powers. Awkwafina plays herself, Renfield is uninteresting and the third act was so incredibly predictable and underwhelming. Nick Cage was awesome as Dracula though, I wish he was in another movie!

There could have been so much more to "Renfield" than what you get in the end. Those who watch the film solely to see Nicolas Cage as Dracula will undoubtedly get their money's worth. Cage plays the character exactly as one could have hoped, even if he could have had a bit more screen time. Nicholas Hoult and Awkwafina also do a solid job, although the latter was probably not the right choice for her role.

Entertaining is the level of violence, which is appropriately splattery, but there is one big caveat: the blood effects rely 100% on CGI, so it ends up looking bloodless. I don't have a problem at all with exploding heads not being realized with practical effects. But if CGI blood is splattered all over the place, why do all the characters' clothes look like they've been freshly cleaned? That's what kept pulling me out.

I was also negative about all the other characters aside from the three mentioned so far. Ben Schwartz is not convincing as the villain, and the rest of the characters remain flat. And the script is also more functional than good. All in all, "Renfield" is still solid but also pretty forgettable. And I find that quite a pity in view of my expectations.

Renfield, the latest vampire flick to hit the silver screen, is like sinking your teeth into a blood-red velvet cupcake. It's a deliciously wicked treat that leaves you craving for more. With its clever blend of horror and humor, this film is a graveyard smash that will have you howling with laughter.

From the moment the opening credits roll, Renfield grabs you by the jugular and doesn't let go. The plot, like a vampire's hypnotic gaze, mesmerizes you with its twisted charm. It's a fresh take on the classic Dracula tale, following the misadventures of Renfield, the lovable yet deranged assistant to the infamous Count. Think of it as a rollercoaster ride through a haunted house, with unexpected twists and turns at every corner.

The performances in Renfield are simply fang-tastic. The cast sinks their teeth into their roles with gusto, delivering performances that are both chilling and hilarious. The standout is undoubtedly the charismatic lead, whose portrayal of Renfield is a tour de force. His comedic timing is impeccable, and his transformation from meek assistant to bloodthirsty lunatic is a joy to behold.

In conclusion, Renfield is a must-see for any fan of vampire movies. It's a wickedly entertaining film that will leave you gasping for breath, both from fear and laughter. So grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and sink your teeth into this darkly delightful masterpiece. You won't be disappointed.