Preston Barta // Features Editor
RENFIELD
Rated R, 93 minutes.
Director: Chris McKay
Cast: Nicholas Hoult, Nicolas Cage, Awkwafina, Ben Schwartz, Brandon Scott Jones, Adrian Martinez and Shohreh Aghdashloo
Now playing in theaters.
In ‘Renfield,’ Nicolas Cage portrays Dracula with comedy chops as sharp as his fangs. It’s got that ‘Zombieland’-like zaniness and rampage, and it’s a total blast.
Anyone remember Vampire’s Kiss, the 1988 vampiric psychological thriller starring Nicolas Cage? It’s a pretty wild movie and not the kind of feel-good fun that its original poster seems to promise.
Renfield, on the other hand, is very much that kind of fun you want from a crazy Cage. Directed by Chris McKay (The Lego Batman Movie and The Tomorrow War), it’s got that Zombieland-like zaniness and Warm Bodies-like loving feeling — just a gleeful rampage.
Speaking of Warm Bodies, the titular character is played by that film’s co-lead, Nicholas Hoult. He even narrates Renfield quite similarly, letting viewers know who he is (a servant to Cage’s Dracula) and what are the rules of the world (and there aren’t many). Hoult’s Renfield is like a member of The Cure in gothic Wes Anderson clothing. He’s been around for a long time, fetching blood for Dracula.
All this killing of the innocent is starting to get to Renfield. He longs for an everyday life without Dracula. To ease his conscience, Renfield attempts a more Boondock Saints approach to murder, where he bags the bodies of bad people. However, their blood isn’t as pure as those without dirt on their hands. So, hopefully, therapy and new friends will help give Renfield the courage to step away from his toxic relationship with The Count.
Renfield shows incredible invention, well-tuned comic timing, and the year’s most extraordinary line delivery (by Cage during the film’s conclusion). You’ll know when you hear it because you’ll laugh until your belly hurts.
Cage is a hoot. No one can put words out like him. It’s almost Shakespearean. He takes everything to an untouchable level, and everyone else in the movie is along for the ride like we are. You never know where he’ll emphasize something and make a hilarious interjection. It’s something to be seen at once.
But Hoult’s chemistry with Awkwafina (as a New Orlean police detective) is another strong aspect. Awkwafina supplies many of the film’s biggest laughs, especially when her character reacts to the absurdity around her. You’ll feel the warmness and fun play between her and Hoult.
Oh, and let’s not forget to mention the great Ben Schwartz. He plays the fantastically named Tedward Lobo, the prince of the New Orleans crime world. He’s a total screwup who can practically get away with anything, and Schwartz elevates the character to a memorable place. So damn funny.
Renfield is a rip-roaring time complete with dazzling practical effects, extreme quotability and a quick pace. It checks all the boxes of being a comedy favorite.
Grade: B
