Eddie and Venom are on the run. Hunted by both of their worlds and with the net closing in, the duo are forced into a devastating decision that will bring the curtains down on Venom and Eddie's last dance.
Venom: The Last Dance is a superhero film that continues the chaotic, yet charming, journey of Eddie Brock and his symbiotic partner, Venom. Directed by Kelly Marcel and written by both Marcel and Tom Hardy, the film stars Hardy as the lead, alongside Juno Temple and Alanna Ubach. The movie picks up right where Let There Be Carnage left off, with Eddie and Venom now fugitives. Following the events of the previous films, they find themselves entangled in a cross-country chase to clear their name for the murder of Detective Mulligan, while also being hunted by an alien force sent by Venom's creator, Knull.
At the heart of Venom: The Last Dance is the relationship between Eddie and Venom, which has always been one of the film series' most entertaining aspects. This time, their journey takes them from Mexico to New York, where they hope to clear their names. However, the road to redemption is far from straightforward, and the plot mostly centres around their misadventures while on the run.
The movie is structured like a buddy-road trip comedy, giving Eddie and Venom plenty of room to play off each other’s personalities. Eddie is his usual self; frustrated, tired, and just trying to survive, while Venom is his usual chaotic personality, filled with energy and bizarre enthusiasm. Whether they’re getting into arguments or working together to outsmart their pursuers, the dynamic between the two characters never feels forced. In fact, this is where the film really shines—Hardy’s ability to balance Eddie’s weariness with Venom’s absurdity keeps the movie engaging.
Venom’s lines are consistently comedic, filled with ridiculous banter, and his joy for life—whether it’s gambling, singing, or causing a bit of harmless trouble—brings a certain charm to the film. It’s clear that this movie isn’t trying to break any new ground or introduce anything revolutionary but instead focuses on closing the chapter for these characters. It doesn’t lose sight of what made audiences fall in love with Eddie and Venom in the first place—their quirky, oddball relationship.
Despite the humorous and light-hearted tone, the film does deliver plenty of symbiote-fueled action. There are some intense sequences where new symbiotes are introduced, and the film plays with their abilities to add variety to the battles. However, this isn’t where Venom: The Last Dance stands out. The action feels fairly familiar, and while it’s entertaining, it doesn’t aim to surprise or innovate. The film is more about giving fans what they’ve come to expect—loud, fast-paced fights with just enough destruction to keep things interesting.
What makes the action sequences more enjoyable, though, is the unique take on the traditional superhero format. The movie doesn’t attempt to be a massive universe-spanning epic. Instead, it keeps things grounded, focusing on Eddie and Venom’s journey, with the larger threat of Knull simmering in the background. While Knull’s presence is more of an ominous warning rather than a full-on confrontation, the looming danger keeps the stakes high enough to drive the plot forward.
One interesting subplot involves a UFO enthusiast named Martin, played by Rhys Ifans, who adds a whimsical layer to the story. His family of alien conspiracy theorists provides some of the film’s more wholesome and offbeat moments. This subplot is just one of the many entertaining detours that Eddie and Venom encounter on their way to New York, adding a bit of variety to the otherwise straightforward road trip premise.
What sets Venom: The Last Dance apart from its predecessors is its emotional depth. As this is the final chapter in Eddie and Venom’s arc, there are several moments where the film allows the audience to reflect on how far these characters have come. Eddie, who once viewed Venom as nothing more than an unwanted parasite, now sees him as a partner—if not a friend. Their bond is at the forefront of the movie, and while the film is filled with slapstick humour and over-the-top action, it still manages to hit some heartfelt notes.
The emotional core of the film doesn’t necessarily come from grand gestures or tearful goodbyes but from the smaller moments—the times when Eddie and Venom are simply talking, arguing, or working together to survive. Tom Hardy’s performance in these quieter scenes is exceptional, and the way he brings out the softer, more vulnerable sides of both Eddie and Venom makes for a surprisingly touching experience.
As for the finale, while it follows the typical superhero format of an epic showdown, it doesn’t feel as bloated as many other films in the genre. Instead, the final moments are more focused on giving Eddie and Venom a proper send-off, rather than setting up the next big villain or teasing future sequels. It’s a fitting end to their journey, and fans of the franchise will likely walk away feeling satisfied, if a bit melancholic about saying goodbye to the beloved duo.
It’s worth noting that Venom: The Last Dance doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel. The plot is fairly predictable, and it doesn’t explore new territory within the superhero genre. However, this simplicity is one of the film’s strengths. It knows what it is—a fun, offbeat superhero movie that prioritises character relationships over spectacle.
Director Kelly Marcel and writer Tom Hardy clearly have a deep affection for these characters, and it shows in every scene. While there are some moments where the exposition feels heavy-handed, especially when dealing with Knull and the symbiote lore, the film wisely doesn’t dwell on these aspects for too long. Instead, it keeps the focus on Eddie and Venom, making sure that their quirky dynamic is at the forefront of the story.
Even the supporting characters, such as Juno Temple’s scientist and Chiwetel Ejiofor’s soldier, are there primarily to serve the story of Eddie and Venom. Their roles may feel somewhat one-dimensional, but they don’t detract from the film’s main focus. This isn’t really a movie about world-ending threats or complex moral dilemmas—it’s about the bond between a man and his alien companion, and it’s all the better for it.
Venom: The Last Dance is far from a perfect movie, but it’s exactly what fans of the franchise want. It’s fun, chaotic, and filled with heart. While the plot may be simple and some of the characters underdeveloped, the film never loses sight of what makes this series enjoyable: the relationship between Eddie and Venom. For those who have been following the duo’s journey from the beginning, this final chapter offers a satisfying, if slightly silly, conclusion. It's a lighthearted, action-packed romp that proves that sometimes, the best stories are the ones that don’t take themselves too seriously.
Venom is in NZ cinemas from October 24, 2024