Jacked In Reviews 'Renfield' (2023)

Today’s setting is the classic screen found at Newcastle’s Tyneside Cinema, with very apt red velvet seats in order to better enjoy Nicholas Cage’s dapper Dracula. However, that’s not whose story we’re here to see, it is in fact his infamous insect-eating, sinister, servant… Renfield (Nicholas Hoult).

Although not marketed as such, Renfield actually serves as a direct sequel to Tod Browning’s Dracula (1931). For any classic horror fan, it is a treat for the eyes to see a familiar flashback, with Cage and Hoult seamlessly added into some classic black and white cinema.

renfield nick cage — Photo: Universal Pictures

Cage – who has been waiting almost his entire acting career to sink his teeth into this role – absolutely steals the show as the Prince of Darkness, balancing suave and scary as well as bringing a hellish hilarity the way he does best.

Hoult showcases Renfield not as a willing servant but as someone trying to break free from quite a toxic relationship with the Count. Not only that but for the first time ever, an action-hero dynamic is brought to the character. Cage – who has been waiting almost his entire acting career to sink his teeth into this role – absolutely steals the show as the Prince of Darkness, balancing suave and scary as well as bringing a hellish hilarity the way he does best.

As far as tonality goes, the movie clearly isn’t trying to duplicate the style of the original. For what Dracula (1931) lacked in gore and action, this flick more than makes up for it, however, it still is nowhere near a groundbreaking masterpiece to that of its predecessor.

The supporting characters and overall story may be lacking but it’s definitely a fresh perspective on these household names but if you’re after a fun, blood-filled, action-comedy, this is the movie for you. And of course, why wouldn’t you want to see Nick Cage living his best life as Count Dracula?