{"id":2057,"date":"2023-12-19T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-12-19T07:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.senses.se\/en\/review-renfield\/"},"modified":"2026-03-21T18:17:57","modified_gmt":"2026-03-21T17:17:57","slug":"review-renfield","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.senses.se\/en\/review-renfield\/","title":{"rendered":"Review: Renfield"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Renfield (Nicholas Hoult)<\/strong> finds himself increasingly weary of his codependent and toxic relationship with his narcissistic employer, Dracula (Nicolas Cage)<\/strong>. Discovering a twelve-step program designed for individuals in addictive relationships, Renfield begins to contemplate a life beyond Dracula’s influence. In this pursuit, he encounters Rebecca (Awkwafina)<\/strong> and begins to envision a future beyond servitude to blood and death. However, Dracula has no intention of relinquishing his hold on Renfield.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The character of Renfield<\/em> is a staple in Dracula adaptations. In Francis Ford Coppola’s Bram Stoker’s Dracula<\/strong> (1992), he was portrayed by Tom Waits<\/strong>. Traditionally a supporting character, Renfield<\/em> is depicted as downtrodden and subjected to humiliation, performing menial tasks for Dracula during daylight hours. The premise of a film centering on Renfield<\/em> is intriguing, further enhanced by the prospect of Nicholas Cage’s unhinged portrayal of Dracula.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A film with this premise risks becoming overly campy. Director Chris McKay<\/strong>, however, successfully navigates this challenge, leveraging his experience balancing eccentric elements in projects such as The Lego Batman Movie<\/strong> and The Tomorrow War<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The film’s violence is graphic and unrestrained, a welcome departure from more sanitized portrayals. Nicholas Hoult<\/em> delivers a compelling performance as the long-suffering Renfield<\/em>, mirroring Cage’s commitment to the role. Hoult effectively conveys a suppressed intensity beneath a seemingly mild-mannered exterior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A significant weakness in Renfield<\/em> is Awkwafina’s<\/em> portrayal of Rebecca. Her performance feels miscast, lacking the necessary conviction for the role. While her previous performances in Jumanji: The Next Level<\/a><\/strong> and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings<\/a><\/strong> were adequate, her contribution to Renfield<\/em> detracts from the film’s overall quality, which is particularly disappointing given the film’s strengths in other areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Blu-ray edition exhibits excellent picture quality, with deep blacks that enhance details, particularly within Dracula’s lair. The 7.1 DTS Master Audio<\/strong> sound mix provides impactful audio, especially during the climactic battle sequence. Unfortunately, as is often the case with Universal Pictures<\/strong> releases, the Blu-ray lacks supplemental features. Additional behind-the-scenes content would have been highly appreciated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In conclusion, Renfield<\/em> is a worthwhile viewing experience. Were it not for the casting of Awkwafina and the absence of bonus content, it would be an essential addition to any film collection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SF studios<\/em><\/a><\/strong> provided a review copy for this evaluation. The provision of review materials does not influence our editorial independence. Our reviews are conducted independently, with our readership and consumers as our primary focus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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