“Renfield” teeters on the edge of being a complete failure, largely due to an excessive and characteristic performance from Nicolas Cage and one exceptionally creative fight sequence set within an apartment building. It’s not enjoyable in any respect, and I wouldn't suggest seeing it; what’s truly disappointing is how director Chris McKay squanders a promising concept. The film unfolds in the present day, introducing Renfield (Nicholas Hoult) as Dracula’s (Cage) long-suffering and devoted assistant. For decades, he has attended to his master’s every need, from ensuring his cape is cleaned to securing fresh victims for meals. After centuries of servitude, Renfield finally wants to break free and establish a life of his own. Despite its overall lack of vitality, the movie maintains a brisk pace. There's enough happening to hold attention, but it isn’t entertaining, wild, or bizarre enough. The film attempts a tone that is both playful and earnest, which doesn’t quite mesh together. There's an abundance of action that ultimately serves no purpose, and characters like Awkwafina’s police officer are bland and easily forgotten. The subplot involving a criminal family headed by a merciless boss (Shohreh Aghdashloo) and her son (Ben Schwartz), who wants Renfield eliminated, feels underdeveloped. Similarly, the comedic therapy sessions where Dracula's assistant seeks guidance for co-dependency and dealing with his boss’s extreme narcissism don’t land well. The individual ideas seem promising on paper, but their execution is flawed across the board, contributing to the film's underwhelming nature. Cage stands out as the highlight of this production; he seems perfectly suited to portray Dracula. He embraces the role with theatrical flair, and his unrestrained interpretation is both frightening and comical. His frenzied delivery of lines, like “Hail Satan,” is a particular pleasure. The violence and gore are exaggerated and primarily intended for comedic effect, though viewers sensitive to such content should be aware of graphic throat ripping, spurting blood, and open abdominal wounds displaying internal organs. The director doesn't shy away from the brutality (and the makeup and effects are quite impressive), which should appeal to horror enthusiasts. It’s a shame that “Renfield” falls short in so many ways given its potential for a compelling story. One can’t help but lament what it might have been.

Source on TMDB