While it does its best with those surface thrills, it is too self-aware, too full of superhero-style special effects, to have the B-movie visual quality, the DIY spirit and the nostalgia that would give it real bite.

There’s a spicier, punchier and sillier movie trapped inside. Shame it couldn’t be coaxed out.

Renfield is played for laughs – though with no shortage of blood and violence.

While it sometimes loses track of its big ideas, the film still manages to have fun and not take itself too seriously.