Thriller films are no stranger to Nicholas Cage, so acting in the action comedy Renfield that involves buckets of blood, smashing bodies apart and feasting on a lot of gore, is just a walk in the park. He actually makes a great Dracula with some excellent make-up that includes, special fangs and rotting skin needed to put on a good show. And his portrayal of demonism with a nonchalant air makes for some much needed humor to make the film work. With a first-rate performance by Nicholas Hoult as the title star, the two mega actors put on a great show. For the target audience it’s a film you can dig your teeth into and should not be missed.
The film opens with Robert Montigue Renfield (Nicholas Hoult) at a group meeting where people talk about their problems. Here he tells about his past relationship with someone who had saved his life and the problems that stems from being his servant. But Renfield leaves out a lot about his job, like keeping his boss Dracula out of trouble and providing food for him so he can survive. But the problem is trying to find enough recently dead people to feed his hunger and keeping him from destroying everyone around him.
During one of the meetings he listens to Caitlyn and hears she has a serious problem with Mitch, a dangerous drug dealer. When Dracula gets low on fresh blood, Renfield decides to get emotionally involved with Caitlyn to get to Mitch and his gang for a continuous supply. It’s only the tip of the iceberg for Renfield and his master, but it does have many problems and pitfalls that will have to avoid.
EXCLUSIVE BONUS FEATURES ON DIGITAL, BLU-RAYTM & DVD:
“Hilarious Deleted and Extended Scenes”
“Alternate Takes”
“Dracula UnCaged” – Go inside the mind of a vampire as Dracula himself, Nicolas Cage, reveals the secrets behind turning a classic character into a memorable monster.
“Monsters & Men: Behind the Scenes of RENFIELD “– An in-depth look at Renfield’s cast, sets, costumes and more as the actors and filmmakers reveal how they modernized a famous terror tale with trailblazing comedy and over-the-top action.
“Stages of Rejuvenation” – See how special makeup effects bring the undead to life throughout the four stages of Dracula’s incredible transformation.
“Flesh & Blood” – Exploding heads. Peeling faces. Severed limbs. They’re all part of the macabre movie magic that fuels Renfield with inventive action and hilarious horror.
“Fighting Dirty” – Stunt coordinator Christopher Brewster leads a look at the training, choreography, and careful execution that goes into the film’s spectacular stunts and fight scenes.
“The Making of a Deleted Scene: Renfield’s Dance!” – Nicholas Hoult and choreographer Kathryn Burns pull back the curtain on constructing an elaborate musical number for a fantasy dance sequence.
“Feature Commentary” with Producer Samantha Nisenboim, Screenwriter Ryan Ridley, and Crew
Renfield has been rated R by the MPAA for bloody violence, some gore, language throughout and some drug use. For those that like a lot of violence, disturbing images and carnage with their humor, this is the perfect “get away” from the ordinary. For the timid, shy and faint of heart, not so much. Otherwise it’s a film the target audience can dig their teeth into and should not be missed.
Specifications and additional video information:
Cast: Nicholas Cage, Nicholas Hoult, Awkwafina, Ben Schwartz, Adrian Martinez, Shohreh Aghdashloo, and Brandon Scott Jones
Directed by: Chris McKay
Genre: Horror, Comedy. Action
MPAA Rating: R for bloody violence, some gore, language throughout and some drug use
Running Time: 1 hr. 33 min.
Video Release Date: June 6, 2023
Language: English
Reviewed Format: Digital
Subtitles: English, Spanish
Distributed by: Universal Pictures Home Entertainment
Released on: DVD, Blu-ray, Digital
