Robert Montague Renfield (Nicholas Hoult) has a problem. One that is over a hundred years old. He is the assistant of an abusive, melodramatic and cruel vampire who is ready to kill uncontrollably in Residents of New Orleans hot. Rethinking the characters invented Bram Stoker has elements of direct and very visual cruelty in the film RenfieldChris McKay. From its first minutes, in which violence abounds, it is clear that what is about to happen goes beyond bloodlust and that conflict is about to erupt.
It’s going to be about co-dependency, abusive relationships, and a kind of brutal evil, as Ryan Ridley’s script makes it so easy. Main character Renfield he is bound by some supernatural covenant that grants him immortality at a very high cost. must deal with Draculawho experiences a moment of insatiable greed that turns him into the worst version of himself.
The iconic monster is played by Nicolas Cage, who is at the pinnacle of his exaggerated and unclassifiable performances. Although this time his gestures, screams and convulsions have an obvious meaning. A vampire beyond human standards. About the lines of understanding of the future and the world in which he lives. Therefore, he does not have the slightest respect for anything or anyone. Much less for his assistant, who endures the mistreatment as best he can, willingly trying to keep his promise of loyalty.
Renfield
Chris McKay’s Renfield is a brutal interpretation of famous characters from Bram Stoker’s novel Dracula. Loses the opportunity to be anything more than a great creepy joke though. With stunning visuals but a script that goes from simple to mediocre, the plot falls short in its exploration of immortality through the monstrous. Between brutal satire and outright gore, he finds it hard to find a foothold and support his story about the narcissistic and melodramatic Dracula, played deftly by Nicolas Cage. The result is disappointing because it is only a vague shadow of a larger and more substantial proposal.
Renfield collect the horrors of tyranny
Finally, Renfield He understands that he will no longer be able to keep under the fist of his bloodthirsty master. The plot, which begins with an appeal to mystery and darkness, soon reveals a context as cruel as it is sinister. At the same time, that the nature of immortality is directly related to greed. The right to life of a predator who understands that he is above any law in the human world.
Dracula he has a plan, dangerously convincing, with a long-term goal that he is ready to carry out without hesitation. Renfieldwho discovers that he is more human than he realized, for the first time he understands the size of the evil he has fueled for centuries. The reveal takes place during the first part of the movie and immediately sends the character into all sorts of difficult decisions.
In particular, the belief that he must break free from his master’s influence if he wants to survive. Which, of course, will not be easy when he realizes that the extravagant-looking creature is much more ruthless than he imagined. In addition to the fact that it involves significant risk for the very future Renfieldwho suddenly realizes his precarious position. Having established the dilemma, the film quickly transports itself to the most disgusting and bloody places of its unique mythology.
Weird mix of horror and humor that works at times
The premise of Chris McKay’s film may seem predictable until the script casts aside the conventions of vampire films and creates a seemingly original twist. Argument Renfield he takes advantage of the claustrophobic feeling of the enigma that turns into a prison.
Also the cruelty of violence, which manifests itself in different ways. Renfield he is a downtrodden being in search of redemption or simply an escape route. A point that will become more obvious – and necessary – to him when he meets Rebecca Quincy (Aquafina). The film quickly tackles the dilemma of what makes us human and explores the strange perception of the paranormal.
But the story about Renfield she’s not interested in anything that deep, so hints hang in the air. it’s important to show it Dracula Narcissus in all his dark splendor. Nicolas Cage endows his being with a vital and very physical personality. Gradually, he discovers that a tormented spirit lives behind his cruel laugh and penchant for overdressing. But the plot does not allow the actor to create something more relevant than a bright character.
Renfieldgood story that ends in disappointment
Actually, Renfield it’s nothing but a forgotten horror story mixed with black humor because it insists on being superficial. Announcements of larger and more complex circumstances are present, but the narrative ignores them. Chris McKay leans far more towards the graphic shots of gore and severed limbs than the fight taking place in the background of the story.
It also does not go beyond following the journey Renfield — now aware of the heaviness of his emotions and the need for freedom — and perverse cynicism Dracula. Despite photographs that turn New Orleans into a retro neon image, the film falters in its narrative of their conflict. The visual part supports the story most of the time. However, when this is not enough, it is inevitable to fall into boredom and simplicity.
For his final scene – too predictable – Renfield it has already lost some of its energy and originality, giving way to a kind of morality with a ridiculous overtone of goodness. Where were the dangers of immortality, the horror behind the supernatural, and what was Dracula hiding, whatever it was? The film is not interested in giving answers and does not give them. Perhaps his biggest and most uncomfortable problem.
Source: Hiper Textual
