Back in the 1800’s, the legendary Count Dracula (played by Nicolas Cage) recruited a downtrodden family man named Robert Montague Renfield (Nicolas Hoult) to serve as his familiar. Over time, Renfield figured out how to balance his conscience with the edible needs of his master by choosing abusers and criminals. But, after a century, he’s grown tired of the one-sided nature of their relationship and wants out. Thanks to a local support group and the bravery of New Orleans Police Officer Rebecca Quincy (Awkwafina), Renfield finally finds the strength to break free.
Hoult is great as Dracula’s assistant and carries the film really well. Cage seems effortless as a characterized version of the Count and Awkwafina is funny – as you’d expect – but is more muted than we’ve seen her in other projects and that’s not a bad thing here. Her ability to turn that “volume” down is actually welcomed due to the context of the movie. As it turns out, Officer Quincy is the audience’s relatable character in the midst of all the chaos on screen.
The plot’s a little thin, sure, but the story is fun, entertaining and I always appreciate a movie that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Matter of fact, Renfield is everything Cocaine Bear should’ve been. It leaned into the campiness the story begged for and all the performers understood the assignment and passed with flying colors.
Make no mistake, Renfield is a comedy with horror elements, not the other way around. If you’re a horror fan going to see this movie because you’re looking for a classic take on the Dracula story, you’ll be disappointed and might even feel disrespected. If you’re a comedy fan going to see this movie because you love to laugh with your friends, you’re going to leave with a smile on your face and hours upon hours of quotable moments to share with each other.
JKG SCORE: 7.5
Untitled Film Project 