Renfield is a great example of style with little substance. A underwhelming story with impressive visuals. It's in a way worthy of both respect and contempt at the same time.
First off, the premise is a great idea. We've never really had a "Renfield" movie before or even a interesting look at the character. Renfield clearly is meant to be an allegory for anyone in a abusive relationship, a allegory that is no so subtle at times but still works. Although there isn't a lot more to Renfield's character beyond that. He's a little more than a one-dimensional protagonist in a story that doesn't offer much more.
Nicolas Cage is decent as Dracula but feels underwhelming. It seems as no one could decide if they wanted a comedic Dracula or a genuinely terrifying Dracula. As a result, we get a weird in-between Dracula that fails to accomplish either. Not that there's any better original characters either. Unless you're really interested in Awkwafina as a annoying cop with daddy issues.
The one part that Renfield does hit out of the park is the visuals. Renfield looks amazing the entire way through. The action scenes are over-the-top gory in all the best ways, the cinematography was really impressive at some scenes, and the costumes and makeup are so phenomenal, I would be surprised if they're not nominated for an Oscar.
Overall, it's fun but it's not a movie you're going to remember for the rest of your life.
First off, the premise is a great idea. We've never really had a "Renfield" movie before or even a interesting look at the character. Renfield clearly is meant to be an allegory for anyone in a abusive relationship, a allegory that is no so subtle at times but still works. Although there isn't a lot more to Renfield's character beyond that. He's a little more than a one-dimensional protagonist in a story that doesn't offer much more.
Nicolas Cage is decent as Dracula but feels underwhelming. It seems as no one could decide if they wanted a comedic Dracula or a genuinely terrifying Dracula. As a result, we get a weird in-between Dracula that fails to accomplish either. Not that there's any better original characters either. Unless you're really interested in Awkwafina as a annoying cop with daddy issues.
The one part that Renfield does hit out of the park is the visuals. Renfield looks amazing the entire way through. The action scenes are over-the-top gory in all the best ways, the cinematography was really impressive at some scenes, and the costumes and makeup are so phenomenal, I would be surprised if they're not nominated for an Oscar.
Overall, it's fun but it's not a movie you're going to remember for the rest of your life.