Renfield – REVIEW
Image: Nicholas Hoult and Nicholas Cage in RENFIELD. Photograph by Michele K. Short : Courtesy Universal Pictures
Count Dracula returns to the big screen in this hysterically violent horror comedy flick which is indisputable the surprise movie of the year!
Nicholas Hoult plays the role of Renfield, Count Dracula’s henchman. He’s a servant of the prince, having spent many years together in a lunatic asylum. Count Dracula’s plan is to join forces with an equally evil arch villain and rule the world, unleashing pain and suffering. After having murdered countless people to fuel Dracula’s evil existence, Renfield finally sees the error of his ways and decides to break away from this toxic relationship.
And so the fun begins as he attempts to redeem himself fighting darkness and evil to save the world. But can he change from villain to hero?
What follows is a hilarious, fast paced, action packed, and bone crunching blood fest with death defying stunts that should have audiences laughing and turning away from the screen simultaneously.
Renfield is a feast for the eyes and ears with surprisingly stunning CGI and sound effects that compound the momentum and enjoyment of this movie.
Nicholas Cage who shares an uncanny resemblance to Bela Lugosi (the actor who originally portrayed Dracula in 1931) is perfectly cast as Dracula, delivering his finest performance in years. American actress and comedian Awkwafina lends her comedic prowess as a scatterbrained cop and admirer of Renfield, nearly overshadowing Cage’s performance.
High quality silliness (yes there is such a thing!) pervades this fun-filled cinematic time filler, providing entertainment for audiences who may be in need of a couple of hours switched off from life watching a relatively ‘non-thinking’ mega budget flick.
Renfield ultimately learns two lessons which would also be relatable to audiences: you’re the number one person in your life and it’s never too late to be a hero.
★★★1/2
In cinemas now
