Wednesday, April 12, 2023
Renfield
Almost everyone has heard of Count Dracula but who knows R.M. Renfield? In Bram Stoker’s 1897 gothic horror novel, he is Dracula’s deranged, fanatically devoted servant & familiar. This is a modern day retelling of the vampire tale but focusing on Renfield (Nicholas Hoult) who has grown tired of his role & is looking for a way to escape this toxic relationship with his narcissistic boss (Nicolas Cage). Renfield is basically a good guy trapped in his situation. He joins a support group but with ulterior motives and comes to understand about what he needs to do. Near the beginning is a nice black & white tribute the old Universal/Bela Lugosi Dracula films to layout the background story. It’s hilarious fun with ultra-violent splotches of blood, ripped apart appendages where heads roll, & bones crushed. Awkwafina plays New Orleans police officer Rebecca Quincy caught in the crossfire between the Lobos crime mob, dirty cops, & the Dark One. Cage dances along a fine line between comedy & horror as he shifts gears in the marvelous performance, although a bit over-the-top. This film was much better than I imagined, but it may not be for everyone’s taste. Will good triumph over evil? Can Rebecca save her FBI sister? Will Drac build an army of super strength henchmen powered by bugs? Will the Count’s reign of terror finally end or will he be back for more biting humor?
Alien gives it 3 “ant farm” stars out of 4.
