Review: 'Renfield' is a gloriously gratuitous horror comedy

SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — Renfield
3.5 out of 5 Stars
Director: Chris McKay
Writers: Ryan Ridley, Robert Kirkman
Starring: Nicholas Hoult, Nicolas Cage, Awkwafina
Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, Horror
Rated: R for bloody violence, some gore, language throughout and some drug use

Studio Synopsis: In this modern monster tale of Dracula’s loyal servant, Emmy nominee Nicholas Hoult ("Mad Max: Fury Road," "The Great") stars as Renfield, the tortured aide to history’s most narcissistic boss, Dracula (Oscar winner Nicholas Cage). Renfield is forced to procure his master’s prey and do his every bidding, no matter how debased. But now, after centuries of servitude, Renfield is ready to see if there’s a life outside the shadow of The Prince of Darkness. If only he can figure out how to end his codependency.

Review: Meet Renfield (Nicholas Hoult), a familiar or a non-vampire that acts essentially as an indentured servant in exchange for the excitement of a prolonged existence of servitude. Renfield’s enthusiasm for life has been sufficiently drained by the demands of his “Master.” It is a textbook toxic relationship.

His “Master” in this case is Dracula (Nick Cage). After an incident involving vampire hunters leaves him weakened, Dracula requires Renfield to bring him bodies to feed upon while he regenerates.

Renfield decides the support group for people in abusive relationships is a easy way to source more deserving prey, but comes to recognize himself in the lives of the traumatized group members.

However, Dracula isn’t inclined to let Renfield go: hijinks with a local drug ring, decapitation, self-descovery, and a gasp of romance follow.

I had the pleasure of talking with director Chris McKay about “Renfield.” The conversation was brief, but the director referenced Sam Rami’s work and the early films of Peter Jackson as sources of inspiration. This tells me that McKay knew exactly what kind of film he was making and ultimately, love it or loath it, McKay made that movie.

It’s outrageous, as intended. Funny, in a sick way. Better yet, the film manages to maintain a steady tone as it churns out buckets of blood, prolonged shootouts, epic fistfights, rolling heads, a budding love story, loads of cocaine, corrupt cops, exploding bodies, scenery-chewing performances, mommy issues, and a surprisingly inspirational message into a lean 93 minutes. It's gloriously gratuitous splatstick.

Mitchell Amundsen's over-saturated cinematography is beautiful; Hoult should do more action films; both Awkwafina andBen Schwartz are over the top without ever disrupting the flow of the narative; Nick Cage doesn't disappoint.

So, if you thought Peter Jackson’s use of a lawnmower, a horde of zombies, and a lot of tomato paste made for great entertainment, I can easily recommend “Renfield.” If the idea of schlocky gore and broad comedy offends you (and it is bound to offend someone), stay far away. In poor taste? Yes. Poorly made? Absolutely not.