Renfield

2.5 out of 5 stars

Bram Stoker’s Dracula is a name that has managed to travel through time since being brought to people’s attention in 1897. Over the decades, his character has been the driving force in horror and other genres of books, films, and other entertainment mediums. Yet, very little has been considered of his servant Renfield who remains faithful to this dark Lord of the Night until director Chris McKay (The Tomorrow War) decides to unearth and resurrect Robert Kirkman’s story of this longsuffering man.

Trailer contains extreme acts of violence

Nicholas Hoult (The Menu) embodies the man who has been Count Dracula’s (Nicholas Cage) servant since the turn of the 20th century. Initially, he was wooed into this position by the potential riches the vampire offered to him and due to the interconnected powers he received from his master. These powers, which come from eating insects, allow him to live out an eternal existence on earth. Renfield must get victims for his master to consume, which means they must regularly move around the world as their murderous intent follows them from city to city. As they reside in New Orleans, Renfield joins a self-help group for persons in codependent relationships as a means of catharsis and to find potential bodies for his master. He begins to hear the message of the sessions and eventually finds himself as the hero of his own story. When he assists in thwarting a gangland hit on Officer Rebecca (Awkwafina), Dracula’s assistant determines that he could potentially break free from this damaging relationship.

If anything can be said about Nicholas Cage’s career is that regardless of the quality of the film, he is willing to commit to his role. Nicholas Hoult and Awkwafina give their all to their performances and underpin the movie. However, it still comes back to Cage’s over-the-top antics that make this worth seeing. Robert Kirkman’s concept brings this codependent relationship into this era in a hilarious manner. Yet, the humour does not stand out as much about the delivery of this vampire tale. Albeit the comedic elements are bizarrely laughable, the highly outrageous nature of the violence ensues. Needless to say, the body count of this movie would make a John Wick sequel seem tame.

Subtlety is not a word that would describe any aspect of Chris McKay’s interpretation of Dracula. Still, the absurdity of the comedy, violence, and depiction of the corruption of the New Orleans police department shows the director’s commitment to his vision. This allows for elements to be looked over in the authenticity of the setting. One is that no characters have a Cajun accent; the other aspect of how everyone walks through life in the hottest city in the USA without sweating for a moment. But who needs reality when dealing with a longstanding serial killer with superpowers?

Renfield will satisfy the thirst of those who enjoy a few laughs with their horror and violence with their unexpected romantic escapades. Come for the outrageous performance of Nicholas Cage. Still, you should skip eating too much before stomaching what will come during this film.

Reel Dialogue: Codependency

Codependency is very real in our society and comes in many forms, maybe not as extreme as what we see in Renfield, but they exist. Most of these relationships centre on two people staying in an unhealthy relationship because of what they can get from someone else in return. This parasitic connection is not helpful or honest for all involved, and people should get help in these situations.

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” - John 13:34–35

One thing that can be said about codependent relationships is how people within them lack faith and trust in God to care for their needs. The word codependent is not in the Bible, but the words of God do address these issues by instructing its readers how to live in healthy, mutually beneficial relationships. Yet, at the heart of it, people are meant to love one another instead of seeking out their selfish ambitions. First, know God and then do all we can to love the people in our lives.

There is more to be said about the topic of codependency. The Salvation Army is a great place to get help: Salvation Army.

If you would like to discuss the issues associated with relationships and the Bible. Reach out to us at Third Space. We would love to chat about this and more.