Sinking Your Teeth into “Renfield”: A Bloody Good Time (Mostly)

Director Chris McKay, the man who brought us the manic energy of “The Lego Movie” and the stop-motion chaos of “Robot Chicken,” takes a sharp turn into horror-comedy with “Renfield.” This 2023 release throws us headfirst into the world of Dracula’s loyal (but increasingly frustrated) familiar, Renfield (played by Nicholas Hoult).

Gone are the cobwebbed castles and brooding atmosphere of classic Dracula tales. This Dracula, played with gleeful insanity by Nicolas Cage, holds court in a gaudy New Orleans mansion. Renfield, weary after centuries of fetching virgins and dodging his master’s volatile temper, stumbles upon a self-help group for monster codependents. Here’s where the film’s comedic heart lies. Renfield, with his endearing awkwardness, navigates group sessions filled with hilarious takes on classic horror archetypes: a lovelorn werewolf whose transformations are fueled by rom-coms, a mummy with mummy issues (naturally), and the scene-stealing leader played by the always-reliable Brandon Scott Jones.

Hoult perfectly captures Renfield’s desperate desire for normalcy. He’s a man yearning for a life beyond bloodlust and servitude. This internal conflict fuels the humour as Renfield tries to balance attending support group meetings with dodging Dracula’s increasingly outlandish demands. Think Michael Scott from “The Office,” but with a craving for brains instead of Dundie awards. Cage, meanwhile, chews the scenery with unbridled gusto. His Dracula is a flamboyant narcissist, throwing tantrums that are both terrifying and laugh-out-loud funny. Imagine a rockstar past his prime, with an insatiable appetite for victims and an even bigger appetite for attention.

The film isn’t all punchlines and severed limbs, though. There’s a surprising amount of heart underneath the campy exterior. Renfield’s journey towards self-discovery is genuinely touching. The support group becomes his anchor, a place where he can shed the mantle of “Dracula’s lackey” and explore who Renfield truly is. We see glimpses of a kind, witty man buried beneath years of abuse. Even Dracula, beneath the layers of theatricality, has a vulnerability that peeks through occasionally. Hints of a glorious past and a deep loneliness flicker in his eyes, making him a more complex villain than the typical bloodsucker.

However, “Renfield” isn’t without its flaws. The pacing can be uneven, with some jokes falling flat and some plot threads left dangling. The film sometimes struggles to decide if it wants to be a full-blown horror-comedy or a character study. While the self-help group scenes are consistently hilarious, they can feel tonally disjointed from the more action-heavy sequences involving Dracula’s growing bloodlust.

Awkwafina, as a police officer hot on Dracula’s trail, feels a bit underutilised. While she delivers her usual brand of sharp humour, her character gets sidelined in favour of the Renfield-Dracula dynamic. The film hints at a larger investigation into the supernatural underbelly of New Orleans, but this subplot never fully develops. It feels like a missed opportunity to add another layer to the story and provide a different perspective on the events unfolding.

The action sequences, while plentiful, are a mixed bag. The over-the-top gore might appeal to some, but it can feel a bit excessive at times, especially considering the film’s comedic tone. It’s a strange mix that doesn’t always land. Some fight scenes feel more like video game cutscenes, relying on CGI that can occasionally look a little rough around the edges.

Finding the Balance Between Blood and Laughs

“Renfield” walks a tightrope between horror and comedy, and the results are often successful. The film’s greatest strength lies in its central performances. Hoult brings a relatable vulnerability to Renfield, making us root for him even as he fumbles his way towards self-improvement. Cage, on the other hand, is a force of nature, stealing every scene he’s in with his over-the-top portrayal of a power-hungry (and slightly delusional) vampire.

The supporting cast is equally strong. The monster codependents group provides a constant source of amusement, with each member adding their own unique blend of humour and pathos. However, the underused role of Awkwafina and the uneven pacing hold the film back from reaching its full potential.

FINAL VERDICT

“Renfield” is a wild ride, a horror-comedy that leans heavily on the comedic side. Cage’s unhinged performance as Dracula is a highlight, perfectly counterbalanced by Hoult’s endearing portrayal of Renfield. The film falters slightly with its uneven pacing and underused characters, but the core story of Renfield’s quest for independence is surprisingly sweet. If you’re looking for a laugh-out-loud good time with a healthy dose of gore thrown in, “Renfield” will sink its teeth into you (in the best way possible). Just don’t expect a horror masterpiece.