Movie Review: ‘Renfield’ is a bloody mess that manages to entertain

“Renfield,” is a wacky comedy that sometimes feels like it doesn’t have an identity, but between the over-the-top action and comedy, it manages to entertain.

Nicolas Cage and Nicholas Hoult in Renfield
Photos Courtesy of Universal Pictures
Photos by Michele K. Short

By Connor Webber

The movie follows Renfield (Nicholas Hoult from “Mad Max: Fury Road” and the X-Men franchise), who has provided aid to the prince of darkness for hundreds of years. When he finally decides he’s had enough, Renfield must fight his way out of his toxic relationship with Dracula (Oscar winner Nicolas Cage).

Nicolas Cage and Nicholas Hoult in Renfield
Renfield (Nicholas Hoult) and Dracula (Nicolas Cage)

Going into “Renfield,” I wasn’t sure what to expect. The trailers had been lackluster, and the only thing truly piquing my interest was knowing Nicolas Cage was playing Dracula – and to my pleasure, Cage’s performance was by far the most redeemable part of this film. As seen in the trailer, the movie recreates some iconic shots from the original Universal’s “Dracula,” showing off how great a casting choice Nic Cage was. Cage produces a mix of comedy and intimidation, making this one of his best performances in recent memory.  

Nicolas Cage in Renfield

Another admirable part of “Renfield,” was the heart behind it. At the core, it’s a break-up movie about a person realizing they’re in a toxic relationship and needing to gain the confidence to get out of it. The film works best when it commits to Renfield working through his self-confidence issues, sending a message that needs to be heard.

Nicholas Hoult in Renfield

But other than Nicolas Cage’s performance and the message behind the film, I can’t say I liked it very much.

I don’t feel like “Renfield,” knew if it wanted to be an over-the-top gory action flick (similar to “John Wick”) or if it wanted to be a raunchy horror comedy like “Zombieland.” Usually, I tend to like the “over-the-top gore and action,” but for some reason, it fell flat with “Renfield.” The action was all over the place – reminding me of a “Transformers” film – and I couldn’t keep track of what was happening. I’d be trying to follow the action, and then BOOM, someone’s limbs would get ripped off. Gore, when done well, can make a movie enjoyable (for some people), but “Renfield” did the opposite for me. The blood looked orange, and much of the action seemed like bad CGI. As a result, I found myself the least interested when a fight scene was going on.

Despite some redeeming qualities, “Renfield,” won’t be the best film you will see this year, but if you’re just looking for a mind-numbing date night movie, this is the choice for you!

Renfield,” is rated R and hits theaters worldwide on April 14, 2023. There are no post-credit scenes.

Renfield | Final Trailer [Redband]

“Renfield” In the Parks 

While there may not be a “Renfield,” maze at this year’s Halloween Horror Nights, we have seen many different versions of Dracula at past events (and let’s not forget the land dedicated to Universal’s classic monsters that’s expected at Universal’s Epic Universe).

Most recently, Dracula was seen in “Universal Monsters: Legends Collide” last year. Check out our POV video from that house here:

Universal Monsters: Legends Collide – Haunted House at Halloween Horror Nights 31, Orlando 2022
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