Renfield (2023)
Renfield is a horror-comedy film directed by Chris McKay, starring Nicholas Hoult as the titular character, R.M. Renfield, and Nicolas Cage as the infamous vampire, Count Dracula. The movie offers a fresh, humorous take on the Dracula mythos by focusing on Renfield, Dracula’s long-suffering servant.
The plot revolves around Renfield, who has been serving Dracula for centuries as his loyal familiar, acquiring victims to feed his master in exchange for small doses of supernatural power. However, Renfield grows increasingly tired of his servitude and the toxic, manipulative relationship he shares with Dracula. Desperate for a life of his own, Renfield decides to break free from Dracula’s control and start anew in modern-day
New Orleans.
As Renfield tries to lead a normal life, he meets Rebecca Quincy (Awkwafina), a local traffic cop, who becomes an unlikely ally in his quest for freedom. However, escaping Dracula’s influence is not easy, as the powerful vampire will stop at nothing to keep his loyal servant under his control. What ensues is a wild, action-packed, and darkly comedic battle between Renfield’s desire for independence and Dracula’s refusal to let him go.
Renfield blends horror with humor, featuring outrageous action sequences and memorable performances—particularly Nicolas Cage’s eccentric portrayal of Dracula. The film explores themes of codependency, toxic relationships, and empowerment, all while delivering a fresh, comedic spin on classic horror lore.