What would happen if Dracula in Bram Stoker’s story were still alive today? Uniquely, the story’s focus is now on the figure of his assistant, Renfield, rather than the monster. “Renfield,” a comedy-horror film loosely adapted from the original novel and directed by Chris McKay, features renowned actors such as Nicholas Hoult, Nicholas Cage, and Awkwafina. The film, released by Universal Studios with a budget of USD 65 million, is now available on the Prime Video and Apple TV platforms.
Having escaped death at the hands of vampire hunters decades ago, Dracula (Cage) required a substantial amount of time to regain his strength. Alongside his loyal assistant, Renfield (Hoult), they relocate until finding a new lair in the basement of a former hospital in New Orleans. In tune with the modern era, Renfield’s awareness begins to grow. He even attends therapy sessions at a church to break free from his toxic relationship with his employer. In a pivotal moment, Renfield aids a young police officer named Rebecca (Awkwafina), whose actions attract the attention of crime lords in the city. Meanwhile, the now-recovered Dracula sets his sights on Renfield, who has defected from him.
The premise of “Renfield” is indeed exciting. The film incorporates a tribute scene to the classic Dracula movie (1931) in its montage, presenting the story as a continuation of the original. However, the script and comedic tone dilute the narrative. Cage, who is striking as Dracula and poses the most significant threat, loses some of his intensity. The story appears half-baked and lacks commitment in its execution. Today’s audiences are also familiar with the figure of Dracula—through the film or the novel? This is absurd. The film ends up being memorable for being unserious and playful, lacking a sense of threat and tension. The main course, which is the action, remains unvaried.
Despite its promising premise and star-studded cast, “Renfield” fails to sink its fangs into a mediocre comedy-action story. A budget of USD 65 million is a considerable sum for a film. Judging by its box-office performance, the results indicate a flop. It’s regrettable that the film squandered the talent of its stars and the potential of its premise. In August, Universal is set to release “The Last Voyage of the Demeter,” an adaptation of a chapter from the novel “Dracula.” Judging by the trailer, this film appears much more promising. Skip this one, and anticipate the upcoming release.
