top of page

Renfield: An Unhelpful Review

Writer's picture: Amanda KelnerAmanda Kelner

I think I'm just more committed to seeing movies in theaters now than I ever have been. Because I saw another movie in the theaters. I honestly don't have a strong opinion either way about going out versus at home viewings. I generally don't get concessions, so I just spend money on the ticket. And there's always something nice about watching a movie at home, so I don't mind that either. But it is kind of nice after having spent so many years not going to the theater.


Anyway, I don't know where I'm going with this. This week's unhelpful movie review is on Renfield, the latest addition to Nick Cage's repertoire. I didn't realize this, but Renfield is the name of the character who becomes entranced by Dracula in the original Dracula movie from the 30s. I have seen the original movie (a long time ago) and so some of the references I appreciate, but honestly, if you've never seen Dracula, you can still appreciate this movie.


And with that, let's dive in.


Briefly, and Without Spoilers

Decades after becoming the devoted familiar to the iconic vampire, Renfield finds himself navigating the modern world to balance appeasing his master's thirst for blood without attracting too much attention. After moving to New Orleans, he discovers a support group for codependents trapped in toxic relationships. His connection to the other members leads him to a new series of obstacles and to question his own life and future.


Renfield, written by Ryan Ridley and Robert Kirkman, and directed by Chris McKay, imagines what happens to poor Renfield after the events of the original Dracula novel and his second shot at life.


I've Come to Suck Your Blood (Spoilers Ahead!!)

As I mentioned, this is a continuation of the original Dracula novel (or movie if you're not into books). It imagines what life would be like for Renfield and Dracula in the early decades of the twenty-first century. And it pretty clearly draws on the bad '70s vampire movies. You know, back when we were having a different vampire moment, but the movies themselves were not great? Have you ever seen an old '70s vampire movie? You should, if you haven't. It's a transformative experience.


And I liked what they did with this movie. I thought the acting was great. Nicholas Hoult as Renfield was perfect casting and Nicolas Cage went full Nicolas Cage for Dracula. Awkwafina wasn't my favorite, but I thought some of the moments between Rebecca and Renfield were very sweet. And Ben Schwartz was definitely a good casting choice.


I appreciated how the set and the costume seemed to perfectly fit with what each scene needed and I appreciated many of the side characters as well.


Familiar Codependent

There was a lot about the story that I really liked. I appreciated the clean arcs and the simple plots (you know I love me a simple plot). But I think every character had a clear end goal, and even though Dracula had absolutely zero redeeming qualities, the idea of a proper monster film is alluring. I think it's okay that not every villain has to have a relatable side. And frankly, he was very cool and very scary, so in the end it was fine.


I also appreciate exploring the side of toxic codependency that involves two men, in which one man has a significant amount of power. I think this is a relationship that we don't always give a lot of sympathy to. We think the subordinate should simply get out of the situation by leaving; quitting their job, dropping the extracurricular, whatever the circumstances may be. But I think Renfield's experience perfectly displays the consequences of these decisions. He sticks around because he thinks the abuse is going to be worth it when he gets what he wants. When he never gets that payout and decides to leave, the consequences are far more dire than he could have thought. It can be a complicated situation and I realized more and more as the movie went on that this was the perfect way to demonstrate the nuance to this particular type of toxic relationship.


Close the Shutters

I don't know that I needed a romance. I thought a friendly relationship between Renfield and Rebecca would have been just fine. And really, it could have easily been a friendly relationship. I don't think they do anything physical and there's sort of an implied romantic attraction, but I think it would have been just as effective if they had just been friends. Although maybe not as "Hollywood."


I also could have done without the dead father story. There are a lot of reasons to be frustrated with a corrupt police department. I thought the dead father added nothing that wasn't already emphasized in other ways. And I think it added weird drama. I mean, dead father is very dramatic, but considering how farcical the whole movie was, it was a little too much.


Then again, dead father story is a bit farcical in and of itself.


I also feel meh about the sister. Honestly, I thought Awkwafina's character would have been a lot stronger if she had been allowed to carry herself. I'm not sure what her family added to the story in a way that I had to have.


8 out of 10 Vampire Fangs

All in all, though, I thought the movie was fun and enjoyable, and even though there were things I didn't like, they didn't really bother me that much. The story as it is is excellent and I would highly recommend seeing it.


1 view0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


Movie Reviews No One Asked for and Aren't Particularly Helpful

©2022 by Movie Reviews No One Asked for and Aren't Particularly Helpful. Proudly created with Wix.com

bottom of page