The first reviews for the Nicholas Hoult and Nic Cage-led dark comedy “Renfield” are out with the reaction so far painting a quite positive picture.
Nicolas Cage stars as the one and only Dracula, and Nicholas Hoult as the eponymous acolyte R.M. Renfield from the Bram Stoker novel.
“The LEGO Batman Movie” and “The Tomorrow War” helmer Chris McKay directs and produces the film in which Renfield, tired of the centuries he has worked as the dark prince’s lackey and the toxic relationship that has developed between the pair, finds a new lease on life in modern-day New Orleans when he falls in love with a feisty but perennially aggressive traffic cop (Awkwafina).
However, the Count isn’t so willing to let his servant, one whom he imbued with temporary supernatural powers whenever he eats bugs, walk away so easily. He also has one hell of an appetite requiring much feeding.
Here’s a sampling of review quotes:
“It’s a horror-comic orgy of gore, with any number of bad guys torn to pieces, but occasionally pauses for poignant moments about the life Renfield lost by submitting to his master and unusual spins on vampire lore.” – Kim Newman, Empire Magazine
“It’s peak horror-comedy, much more American Werewolf in London than Bram Stoker’s Dracula, and ultimately it’s fun primarily because it doesn’t commit too hard to any one thing.” – Maggie Boccella, Collider
“Luckily, director Chris McKay and screenwriters Ryan Ridley and Robert Kirkman really made this a perfect nod to the Universal monsters we know and love — and a deeper look into toxic relationships and the pain they bring to everyone involved.” – Rachel Leishman, The Mary Sue
“Renfield knows exactly what it wants to achieve and does so effectively, anchored by its lead performances and some very enjoyable super-violent action sequences which earn its R rating honestly.” – Liz Shannon Miller, Consequence Film
“Renfield is more Raimi than Coppola… a horror comedy that does its best to do both genres proud. Renfield is a goofball gorefest that has way more martial arts action sequences than I would expect out of a Dracula adaptation.” – Linda Codega, Gizmodo
“The laughs in “Renfield” may be inconsistent, but the buckets of blood never stop flowing.” – Matt Neglia, Next Best Picture
“How this dreadful movie slipped past the normally keen folks at Universal, who can generally discern if they’re making a movie that’s good, bad, or – as is this case – HORRIBLE – is indeed a stumper to me. ” – Edward Douglas, The Weekend Warrior
Shohreh Aghdashloo, Ben Schwartz, Adrian Martinez and Bess Rous co-star. The project is based on a pitch by “The Walking Dead” creator Robert Kirkman and penned by “Rick and Morty” writer Ryan Ridley.
“Renfield” is slated for a theatrical release on April 14th.
