Renfield tells the story of Dracula's long-suffering henchman, who finds a new lease on life in modern New Orleans after years of servitude. Tired of the terrible things he's done in the name of Dracula, Renfield meets a traffic cop named Rebecca Quincy who inspires him to begin doing the right thing. However, his insubordination has deadly consequences, which will force Renfield to face off against Dracula in the hopes of finally earning his freedom.
Renfield is an original take on the famed Dracula story, approaching it from Renfield's perspective and focusing on the toxic relationship between the vampire and his henchman. The story of Renfield was created by Robert Kirkman, with the screenplay written by Ryan Ridley and Chris McKay directing the film. Renfield features a star-studded cast led by Nicholas Hoult, Nicolas Cage, Awkwafina, Ben Schwartz, and Shohreh Aghdashloo.
Screen Rant spoke with Awkwafina about playing Rebecca in Renfield. She discusses the practical effects and how they helped with the stunt work on Renfield. Awkwafina also shares insight about what motivates her character and why she connects with Renfield.
Awkwafina on Renfield
Screen Rant: Awkwafina, this movie is fantastic! It might be my favorite movie of the year so far! I love the comedy, the action, and the vulnerability you bring to your role. Can you talk about finding the balance?
Awkwafina: I've never really done a movie like this. I've never done a horror movie. I was really impressed and pleasantly surprised to find that it really does lend itself to so many other different kinds of genres. The character Rebecca, she is more of a straight guy than I have played in the past. She's very angry, but there is definitely comedy there. I really loved the character and I really loved the world that she's getting into. I think it all was really different for me as an actress, but it was a really fun experience.
How does Rebecca feel about Renfield? Can you talk about the evolution of their relationship throughout the film?
Awkwafina: Rebecca has never met anyone like Renfield in a world where she's quite disillusioned with everything that's going on around her. She wants justice, she wants to do what's right, but she doesn't go about that well. Whereas Renfield also shares that quality where he wants to do what's right, but he is weak and hasn't left this horrible, toxic lifestyle. In that way, their relationship really made sense. There's something pure within that. And obviously, Nick Hoult is such an amazing leading man. It was fun to have that relationship with him too.
I think Chris McKay is the perfect director to do Renfield. I love his blend of practical and digital effects. I think it's brilliant. Can you talk to me about what his directing style added to Renfield?
Awkwafina: Chris' background is super interesting. I think he's a great director, and he comes from an editing space as well. The way that he shoots is very, very detailed and precise. He knows exactly what he wants, but he also really trusts his actors. I think we all felt really free to riff.
If there was any time where a line might not have made sense with the scene he's always amenable to that. What was cool about him is that he'd see something interesting or fun, and he'd make shots do that. He was really prepared to just take things as they go. That was a really fun way of watching how someone makes a movie.
I know you've done a lot of action stuff in Shang-Chi, but there's a ton of action in this film. Can you talk to me about working with the stunt team to bring your character to life with the action sequences?
Awkwafina: We had an amazing stunt team led by Chris Brewster. Those guys were crazy. They did all kinds of stuff. It was a different level because of Chris's use of practical effects. Also, there were quite a lot of blood, a lot of smoke squibs and things going off. Working in that environment, there's something really cool because it's almost how they used to make movies back in the day. It's not all tennis ball work. Everything is really happening in front of you. When they go off it's scary. It was really fun.
About Renfield
Renfield has been Dracula's loyal henchman, but he longs for a life separate from the narcissistic vampire. He finds a new lease on life in modern-day New Orleans when he meets traffic cop Rebecca Quincy and decides to stand up to his creator. However, his rebellion does not go unpunished, and Renfield will be forced to face off against Dracula in the hopes of breaking free from the endless cycle of death and bloodshed.
Check out our other Renfield interviews here:
