We have some interesting news for you all today: it appears that the MPA has just staked Renfield in the heart with a R-rating. But, what did you expect? It is a vampire film after all that stars the legendary Dracula to boot. I expect to see something like an R-rating anyways, what with the blood and all. Not like that Hotel Transylvania film series, but that’s going way off-topic.

Renfield: The R-Rated Vampire Film

"Renfield" image featuring from left to right: Nicholas Hoult, Crhis McKay, and Awkwafina.
I see we have Nicholas Hoult, but where’s the other Nicholas?

JoBlo.com has just revealed that the Motion Picture Association has officially given Renfield an R-rating. Not exactly surprising there. What might be surprising though is the reasoning behind this R-rating. See, according to the MPA’s ruling, this is because the film will contain “bloody violence, some gore, language throughout, and some drug use“.

“Bloody violence” and “some gore”. That sounds about right for a Dracula film, which Renfield definitely falls into despite the titular vampire himself not exactly being the star of the show. After all, you can’t have a Dracula film without at least some blood and gore in it. I’m actually surprised that the gore component isn’t extensive. But at least we can be assured that “bloody violence” and “some gore” in an R-rated film will likely be pretty realistic and extensive all on its own.

The “language throughout” isn’t really all that surprising either. While the original Dracula novel by Bram Stoker didn’t have much in the way of foul language, Renfield is a more modern take on the genre. Thus, you’d expect at least some swearing involved. It could even be hilarious if Dracula swore like a sailor after receiving particular painful injuries. You know, like you’d expect a normal person to do.

Honestly, though, the most surprising element of this R-rating is the “some drug use”. Wait, so at least one person in Renfield will use drugs? While certainly surprising, this could also be a moment of pure hilarity if done right. I would love to see Nicolas Cage play a completely stoned Dracula onscreen. I’m not sure if this ancient vampire needs special drugs to get stoned, or if modern drugs will do the job just fine. In either case, this could be one of the best comedy routines in any vampire film if they do it right. Or it could fall flat right on top of a stake. We’ll just have to see when we actually see this film.

Unfortunately, that will still be a while yet. Renfield will premiere in theaters on April 14, 2023. As of this writing, it’s just under a 4-month wait. So you might as well sit back and read Bram Stoker’s original novel while you wait for this film to hit theaters.

Source: JoBlo.com