Renfield (2023), directed by Chris McKay, is a blood-splattered, fast-talking horror-comedy that dares to ask: what if Dracula’s immortal servant just… quit? With a wicked sense of humor, brutal action scenes, and just enough emotional bite, the film offers a hilariously twisted spin on codependency, monster mythology, and toxic relationships.
Nicholas Hoult stars as Renfield, the long-suffering familiar to Count Dracula (Nicolas Cage, having the time of his unholy life). For over a century, Renfield has been fetching victims, cleaning up corpses, and serving his master in exchange for immortality and a few crumbs of power. But in modern-day New Orleans, he’s starting to realize he wants more out of existence—like therapy, a normal life, and maybe even love.
His attempt to break free leads him into the path of traffic cop Rebecca (Awkwafina), a tough, no-nonsense officer battling her own demons and corruption in the city. Together, they’re pulled into a chaotic showdown involving drug lords, violent enforcers, and one very angry vampire who does not handle rejection well.
What makes Renfield stand out is its tone: it’s gory but goofy, stylish but self-aware. The fight scenes are gleefully over-the-top, with limbs flying and fangs flashing. Hoult plays Renfield with equal parts charm and existential exhaustion, while Cage sinks his teeth into every line as a flamboyant, sadistic Dracula who’s part boss, part abuser, and all chaos.
Underneath the mayhem is a surprisingly sincere message about breaking free from toxic bonds—even the supernatural kind.
Because when your boss is the Prince of Darkness,
Quitting… might just kill you.
