I saw a few reviews of this film as of late popping up in the community. It had me curious as to why Hollywood might release a film that's perfect for the month of October just as summer was arriving. Hollywood definitely doesn't make the best decisions, but a horror/comedy surrounding the theme of vampires just sounds perfect for a Halloween release. Though, here we are. Renfield being an odd early summer blockbuster release, and fortunately still managing to be quite a big event. From what I've read, it certainly has left a bit of an impression on people. Though my dumb self had managed to still overlook the film for a while, not deciding to watch it until finally someone asked if I'd like to watch it with them. Despite all I had seen on the film, I still couldn't wrap my head around that aforementioned problem: surely there must be something wrong with this film for it to be released so early in the year instead of at a time where interest might be at its peak she to its themes? Well, there really isn't much wrong with Renfield.
Nicholas Hoult is Renfield's strangest addition. An actor that appears every so often to remind you he exists, with sudden appearances that vary quite heavily in genre. This actor having a very young face and being quite versatile for the roles he receives due to his, but perhaps not attention-grabbing enough among audiences for him to be considered true lead material. Renfield seems like a push more into that lead direction, still not quite hitting lead territory, but finally given more screentime and action to really show off his abilities to the world of Hollywood. This film seems pretty much perfect for the actor, and I think that these lighthearted comedies are where his strength is. Though I am noticing a pattern to which most of his roles consist of either being dead, or looking pretty close to being dead. This did also give the film a slight feeling of being made in a decade prior, and I say this with the utmost positivity. Renfield felt like a comedy from the early 2010s, full of soul and good filmmaking, but not attempting to be more than it needs to. It really felt like an actual film as opposed to most other larger budget releases.
I have said this recently, but with the collapse of superhero films and the failure of reboots as they end up being straight to streaming platforms, Hollywood seems like it is willing to take risks again. Focusing on unique, simple stories and having fun.
Renfield
Comedic stories on dysfunctional fantasy beings seems to be a real strength in recent years, with the series What We Do in The Shadows, as well as Ghosts, finding very creative ways create compelling characters that are often found within the horror genre, and instead placing them into everyday environments. This setup allows for a very human perspective to be given to these fantasy characters, as we look into their thoughts and actions as they clash with either dated thinking or stereotypes through folklore. This mixture of modern living and near medieval concepts juxtaposed also generates some laughs from me due to their absurd nature, I can't help but find these rare shows and films quite enjoyable. I couldn't help but think of past ones I had seen while watching Renfield, I even found similarities to it with Martin Lawrence's "Black Knight". I think so far it's already quite clear that I enjoyed Renfield, but this little bit of context should already highlight some of the main ideas that you should expect to find here.
With all that said, Renfield doesn't just follow the current trend with these sort of entries. I expected it to be very comedic and follow a specific structure already established, but I found it went in its own unique direction that gave it purpose beyond the lighthearted silliness of its themes, as well as more serious all-out gory action. Renfield follows a familiar for Dracula, a man promised eternal life providing he brings food (humans) to him to feast upon. Usually we see these sorts of characters complying with no cares, perhaps making fun of the absurdity of the job and displaying little empathy regarding it, instead, Renfield explores a different lane in character development: what if the familiar is actually just part of a very manipulative relationship? One in which Renfield is instead no longer devoted to his boss and sees a better life awaiting after centuries of servitude have passed. The modern world instead managing to offer much more to this character beyond what is essentially slavery. There are certainly some modern themes present that feel, well, very now and portraying something more than the foundations to the story and character, but the seemingly politically aligned nature of it can easily be ignored. I mean, perhaps this perception is even just specific to me, I can admit that. This is to say that the film does have a more mental health, societal commentary stance. Pushing away from this, Renfield is a story on the growth of a troubled character as they learn their true abilities in the world as the discovery of actual independence comes.
Full of over-the-top action, Renfield's strength comes from the creative camera angles and movements as it dances around the characters. Utilising perspectives and styles very similar to the world of graphic novels. It came as no surprise that The Walking Dead's Robert Kirkman worked on the script. Similarly, the film utilised narration from its protagonist which helps give context and depth to him, allowing us into his mind and thoughts. This kept the pacing going even as the action died down. I haven't seen a film quite like this in a while: fun, action-packed, but nothing too serious. With a cast of mostly small actors. Though some may notice that heavily advertised with the film is Nicolas Cage as Dracula, though his presence is actually relatively thin. I don't think this is a bad thing at all, I actually think his small amount of presence was a strength, giving more light to the other characters and the main idea. I was reminded of older Hollywood in which it made short, creative films with unknown actors while still giving budget to ensure things go well. This budget mostly evident in the cinematography; very beautiful lighting that fits the Halloween theme, with movements that would quickly zoom in on characters and as mention prior, move in very unique ways. You don't usually see this that often in blockbuster titles, so it was a nice surprise to see how the camera interacted with the characters was considered. And definitely time consuming and creative!
I think this is an easy film to jump into and enjoy. Perhaps more suitable for a watch over the Halloween season, rather than just entering summer. But it is a film that doesn't stick around too long, and gets to its point quite quickly.
