Directed by
Chris McKay
Made by
Universal Pictures
Discover the intricate plot of Renfield (2023). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
In the early 20th century, a Transylvanian vampire named Count Dracula encounters an English lawyer, R. M. Renfield, who initially hopes to negotiate a land deal but inadvertently becomes Dracula’s familiar. For many years, Renfield has depended on supernatural abilities fueled by his consumption of bugs. However, after a harrowing encounter with some determined vampire hunters who nearly end his life, the duo relocates to New Orleans to recuperate.
While in New Orleans, Renfield stumbles upon a 12-step self-help group designed for individuals entangled in co-dependent relationships. Inspired, he devises a plan to use the people there to hunt down abusive partners, whom he can later present as fresh sustenance for Dracula without guilt. His plan leads him to a warehouse filled with stolen drugs where he confronts a narcissistic boyfriend. In a brutal altercation with petty criminals, an assassin hired by the Lobo crime family, who are prevalent in drug trafficking, descends upon them. After vanquishing the assassin, Renfield sets out to track down Tedward Lobo, the man responsible for hiring the assassin, but finds himself weakened and burdensome, dragging the bodies back to a derelict hospital that houses Dracula.
During this chaos, Teddy Lobo makes a reckless escape through a sobriety checkpoint where he crosses paths with Rebecca Quincy, a dedicated police officer. Seeing him as a potential high-profile arrest, she apprehends him after he recklessly hurls cocaine bricks at the police. However, Teddy manages to free himself with the help of corrupt federal connections that favor the Lobos. Meanwhile, Rebecca’s relationship with her sister, Kate, who is building a major case with the FBI, becomes strained as both are striving for justice but from different angles.
As Renfield continues to bring criminals back for Dracula’s feasting, the vampire becomes dissatisfied, demanding more innocent blood. On a mission to find innocent victims, Renfield crosses paths with Quincy again at a restaurant while she is investigating the crime scene related to the Lobos. As Teddy plots an assassination attempt against Quincy to restore his family’s intimidating reputation, both quench their fears and fight back, resulting in the deaths of several gang members, much to Teddy’s dismay.
Following a directive from his formidable mother, Bellafrancesca Lobo, Teddy ventures out to track down the figure who slayed his men, encountering Dracula in a moment of uncertainty while Renfield has been absent. The duo forms an uneasy alliance, all while Renfield embraces the lessons from his self-help group and aims to forge a different path away from his master’s dark influence. As he strives for reform, Renfield provides police with a crucial statement to combat the Lobo crime family, drawing Dracula’s wrath when the vampire brutally murders his support group.
Faced with the evidence of carnage left behind, Quincy finds Renfield amid a shocking scene of death and takes him into custody. Yet, law enforcement swarms them, jeopardizing both their lives. Fueled by newfound resolve, Quincy rescues Renfield, and later learns of his desire to change. The two warriors join forces against the Lobo family, culminating in a showdown against a powerful, empowered gang, including a formidable Teddy—a confrontation that ends with Renfield defeating him.
In a gripping climax, Quincy races to stop Dracula and discovers that her sister has been left nearly lifeless, reliant on the miraculous blood of Dracula for healing. In a clever manipulation, she tricks Dracula into a final confrontation alongside Renfield. Their combined strength traps Dracula within a magical circle, leading to an intense battle that results in them pulverizing the vampire into pieces and draining his potent blood.
With a newfound sense of power and purpose, Renfield finds solace in resurrecting his self-help group friends. The duo’s journey not only transforms their lives but also puts an end to Dracula’s menacing reign, either permanently or by making his resurgence exceedingly difficult. Thus, Renfield embarks on a quest to reclaim his life with the support of those he once sought to victimize.
Track the key events of Renfield (2023) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Count Dracula Meets Renfield
In the early 20th century, Count Dracula, a Transylvanian vampire, encounters R. M. Renfield, an English lawyer. Initially, Renfield hopes to negotiate a land deal, but instead, he inadvertently becomes Dracula’s familiar, beginning a dark and tumultuous relationship.
Renfield's Dependency on Bugs
Over the years, Renfield develops a dependency on supernatural abilities that he fuels by consuming bugs. This strange sustenance allows him to assist Dracula but also leads him down a path of co-dependence and manipulation.
Relocation to New Orleans
After a harrowing encounter with vampire hunters that nearly cost Renfield his life, he and Dracula relocate to New Orleans to recuperate. This move signifies a new chapter in their dark escapades and sets the stage for further chaos.
Encountering the Self-Help Group
In New Orleans, Renfield discovers a 12-step self-help group focused on overcoming co-dependent relationships. Inspired by their struggles, he devises a plan to use group members to hunt down abusive partners for Dracula’s sustenance.
Confrontation with Criminals
Renfield confronts a narcissistic boyfriend in a warehouse filled with stolen drugs, leading to a brutal encounter with petty criminals. The chaos escalates when an assassin from the Lobo crime family intervenes, creating a life-threatening situation.
A Close Call and an Escape
After vanquishing the assassin, Renfield becomes determined to track down Tedward Lobo, the man behind the attack. However, weakened and burdened, he struggles to return to Dracula, dragging the bodies back to a derelict hospital.
Rebecca Quincy Apprehends Teddy Lobo
Teddy Lobo attempts to evade capture by recklessly fleeing through a sobriety checkpoint. He is apprehended by Rebecca Quincy, a dedicated police officer who sees a high-profile arrest in him but is ultimately thwarted by corrupt federal connections that favor the Lobos.
Renfield's Growing Discontent
As Renfield continues to bring criminals to Dracula for feeding, he notices the vampire's growing dissatisfaction. Dracula's demand for innocent blood pushes Renfield to confront the moral implications of his actions and seek a change.
The Clash with Teddy's Assassination Attempt
Renfield encounters Quincy again at a restaurant while she investigates a crime scene. Teddy, seeking to restore his family's reputation, plots an assassination attempt against Quincy, leading to a chaotic confrontation with significant casualties.
An Uneasy Alliance
Teddy, under pressure from his mother, seeks vengeance against the figure who killed his men. He unexpectedly encounters Dracula, leading to an uneasy alliance as both navigate the turbulent aftermath of their violent lives.
Renfield's Betrayal and Consequences
Renfield, wanting to forge a new path, provides police information about the Lobo crime family. This betrayal brings Dracula's wrath upon him, culminating in the brutal murder of Renfield’s support group, igniting a fierce battle for survival.
Rebecca's Daring Rescue
Amidst the carnage left by Dracula, Quincy finds Renfield in a shocking scene of death. Despite the dangers, she takes him into custody, but fast-acting law enforcement threatens both their lives as they navigate this perilous situation.
Alliance Against the Lobo Family
Quincy learns of Renfield's desire for change, prompting a powerful partnership against the Lobo family. Together, they prepare for a showdown with Teddy and his gang, setting the stage for a critical confrontation.
Confronting Dracula's Power
In a dramatic climax, Quincy races to stop Dracula, discovering her sister in peril. Trickery ensues as she and Renfield bait Dracula into a final confrontation, leading to an intense battle to destroy the vampire menace once and for all.
A New Beginning for Renfield
With Dracula defeated, Renfield finds solace in reconnecting with his self-help group friends and embracing a new purpose. His journey illustrates a transformation from victim to victor, challenging the dark forces that once controlled his life.
Meet the characters that bring Renfield (2023) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
R. M. Renfield (Nicholas Hoult)
Renfield is portrayed as a conflicted character yearning for freedom from Dracula's oppressive influence. His struggles with co-dependency and his participation in a self-help group signal a significant internal fight to redefine himself and seek redemption.
Rebecca Quincy (Awkwafina)
Rebecca is a determined police officer, deeply driven to bring justice to her community. Her complicated relationship with her sister and her relentless pursuit of the Lobo crime family reveal her dedication but also the emotional costs of her profession.
Teddy Lobo (Ben Schwartz)
Teddy is a narcissistic and reckless criminal from the Lobo family, whose ambition often leads to his downfall. Representing the filthy underbelly of drug trafficking, Teddy’s actions and decisions are pivotal in escalating the film's conflicts.
Bellafrancesca Lobo (Shohreh Aghdashloo)
As the matriarch of the Lobo crime family, Bellafrancesca exudes power and intimidation. Her influence is a significant factor in Teddy's actions, showcasing the dark familial bonds that complicate the narrative.
Uncover the settings of Renfield (2023), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
Early 20th century
The early 20th century was marked by significant changes, including urbanization and societal shifts. During this period, concepts of morality and justice were evolving, setting the stage for Renfield's struggle with his dark past and his quest for redemption.
Location
Transylvania, New Orleans
Transylvania is a historical region in Romania, known for its castles and associations with vampire lore, particularly Count Dracula. New Orleans, on the other hand, is famous for its vibrant culture, rich history, and as a hub for supernatural narratives, making it a fitting location for Renfield's transformative journey.
Explore the core themes of Renfield (2023). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Redemption
The theme of redemption is central to Renfield's journey as he grapples with his role as Dracula's familiar. His participation in a self-help group symbolizes a desire to break free from toxic influences and seek a path of personal growth and responsibility.
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Conflict
Conflict surfaces on multiple levels, from the internal struggles of Renfield against his predatory master to external confrontations with the Lobo crime family. This tension drives the narrative, illustrating the challenges of choosing one’s identity amidst violence and manipulation.
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Justice
The pursuit of justice is a significant theme, depicted through Officer Rebecca Quincy’s commitment to law enforcement and her complex relationship with her sister. Their differing approaches to justice highlight the moral ambiguities faced by characters intertwined in crime and personal vendettas.
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