Renfield

 

        

        I know it's not the perfect timing in terms of wanting to watch a scary-ish movie. But if there's anything I've learned when it comes to streaming services it's that you only get a once in a lifetime chance, to watch some of these movies and I had to make an opportunity in watching this entertaining movie from Nic Cage. Renfield is an interesting take on the Bram Stoker's, Dracula lore, where this time we focus on the side character of Renfield, a side character that was according to Stoker is described to be an insane person that eats bugs or any insects all because the man is clearly insane as well as loyal to Dracula and with this movie you see a unique spin to the character.

        Renfield (Nicholas Hoult), the tortured aide to his narcissistic boss, Dracula (Nic Cage), is forced to procure his master's prey and do his every bidding. However, after centuries of servitude, he's ready to see if there's life outside the shadow of the Prince of Darkness.

        I have to say at the time of this film’s release I was a little intrigued with the idea of focusing on a side character from Bram Stoker's novel as well as making him a bit of an anti-hero through the course of the movie. What I like most about the movie is that you do have a sort of tribute to the original Dracula and re-create some of the legendary shots from the original film which is cool because I doubt anyone remembers the early thirties Dracula and with this movie it's more of a re-introduction to the world of Dracula. After years of bad monster movie re-imagine, it was after the Tom Cruise Mummy where screenwriter Robert Kirkman, took inspiration and focused more on the character Renfield as the central part of the story. Granted this movie isn't up to par with Nic Cage playing Nic Cage in the Unbearable Weight of Massive talent, because again, we as fans would usually expect Nic Cage chewing the scenery thought deep down it's interesting to see him playing a savage villain but then again it's not up to the spasms and over the top acting you'd usually get from Nic Cage and when watching the trailer for the first time I was expecting to have an over the top impression of Bela Lugosi's Dracula but with this movie sure I like that Cage is playing a villain but, it was "well I was hoping for an over the top Dracula", though you can't win them all I guess. Hoult did a good job playing the title character of Renfield and as well as playing a tragic character and I truly see that, especially after watching The Menu when you see him being obsessive to his idol chef then later has his heart broken. Moreover, I did a great job with some of the violent action scenes for which I was pretty impressed by the action sequences myself moreover that's something I'd never expect when watching a movie like this. Though then again when you see some scenes where Hoult is trying to improve himself as well as movie into an apartment or hitting on the lead female detective it soon becomes a bit cringe at times. Either way this film is entertaining has some great and entertaining moments but at times it becomes a bit on the cringe side and loses some flair and especially wants Nic Cage to chew the scenery. If you’re looking for a movie to pass the time for sure, I would recommend watching this movie, while still streaming on Peacock but when you’re done watching it whether you love it or not it's a good once over type of film.