For several decades, audiences have become accustomed to the superhero film genre, captivated by its thrilling narratives and stunning visual effects. These characters are often developed with high ideals, willingly risking their lives to bring peace to humanity. However, the definition of an “anti-hero” remains quite subjective for moviegoers. Anti-heroes are characters that exist in a gray area between good and evil, often displaying traits that make them more relatable yet flawed, often finding themselves in dark and tragic situations as they navigate their way through life. In recent years, this genre of anti-hero films has attracted a significant number of fans, often offering more engaging stories than traditional hero-centric narratives.
Venom first made his debut as the main antagonist in Spider-Man 3 (2007), where he opened a different perspective on the alien symbiote in this universe. Introduced through a “dark reboot” by Sony Pictures, this infamous symbiote quickly captured the public’s heart with its quirky, humorous interactions with the journalist Eddie Brock (played by Tom Hardy), who becomes its host, battling against other sinister entities. In Venom: The Last Dance, the audience will witness a heartfelt, thrilling adventure filled with ups and downs between the “bitter” Eddie and Venom, while also serving as a “launch pad” for the superhero franchise Spider-Man to establish its place in the MCU.
Action-Packed, Visually Stunning
Continuing from the previous installment, Eddie and Venom find themselves on a nationwide manhunt initiated by the government, “unmasking” the threat level after their confrontation with Carnage. Here, the film introduces the identity of Knull, a dangerous ancient deity believed to be the origin of all symbiotes, who calls upon the Xenophage, a deadly predator of the symbiote species, to hunt Venom on Earth.
To begin with, Venom: The Last Dance has already showcased a “Marvel-like” action extravaganza. The explosive clashes between the government and the Xenophage aim to deliver a comprehensive “final showdown” that will excite audiences after three years of waiting. The film raises the stakes as the symbiote siblings are hinted at in the trailer, contributing to the epic confrontation against the ferocious Xenophage. A significant highlight of the third installment of Venom is how it depicts a bloody reality where the stakes are high and the beloved characters are at risk.
The action sequences are executed flawlessly, delivering incredibly vibrant cinematic experiences, especially when the camera pans towards the Xenophage, showcasing impressive CGI elements. The long-range shots used in the battle against the Xenophage and the military forces led by Strickland immerse the audience in the intense journey, contrasting the vastness of space. Notably, the creative team also employs stabilizing drones in conjunction with handheld cameras, capturing the dynamic movements of the towering 2.7-meter Venom in “full armor” mode.
Set against the backdrop of a secret military base in Nevada, the film’s climax takes place in the infamous Area 51. In reality, this site is a military installation shrouded in mystery, often associated with UFO sightings, advanced military technology, and even extraterrestrial research. The U.S. government only confirmed the existence of this area in 2013, yet much information about its operations remains classified.
The thrilling action sequences pay homage to iconic works, notably referencing 2001: A Space Odyssey by the genius Stanley Kubrick, particularly in its atmospheric tone reminiscent of Neil Armstrong’s historic moon landing. On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong took his first steps on the Moon—a defining moment in human history. However, the lunar landing of the Apollo 11 mission soon became a topic of controversy, with some claiming it to be a hoax, even dubbing it the “Great American Lie.” Thus, the film cleverly incorporates these conspiracy theories into its narrative, providing a unique lens through which to view the events.
The Chemistry Behind the Film
Tom Hardy shines as the charming yet troubled Eddie Brock, a character known for his complex persona. His portrayal brings depth to the character, perfectly balancing moments of humor with the darker themes of the film. Eddie is quirky, witty, and often finds himself in absurd situations, making him relatable to the audience. Hardy’s chemistry with Venom is palpable, their banter creating moments of genuine humor that resonate with viewers.
Moreover, the “chemistry” between the two leads, Eddie and Venom, is compelling and charming. Their interactions are filled with dry humor while displaying a range of emotions that keep the audience engaged. The dynamic between them evolves from a mere host-symbiote relationship to a deep bond that mirrors brotherhood, adding emotional depth to the narrative.
However, Venom’s character can sometimes feel a bit scattered and overly reliant on the “anti-hero” trope. The film introduces some characters that seem unnecessary, such as the hippie Martin Moon, who lacks development and doesn’t contribute meaningfully to Eddie and Venom’s story arc. The comedic relief often feels forced, detracting from the emotional weight of Eddie and Venom’s journey.
Final Verdict and Future Implications
Initially, the after-credit scene in Venom: Let There Be Carnage hinted at Eddie and Venom’s transition into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). In the after-credit scene of Spider-Man: No Way Home, both characters appeared in the Sony universe, but their brief cameo left fans wanting more from Venom’s inclusion in the MCU. In Venom: The Last Dance, Venom’s segment is collected by the military forces led by Strickland (Chiwetel Ejiofor) in a bar owned by Ted Lasso (Cristo Fernández), a character belonging to the MCU. Why does the film take place in the SSU while this segment is “transferred” to the MCU? Is this merely a parallel universe, or is it part of a larger “super crossover” event? With many fans eager for crossovers, this detail raises questions and creates a timeline that needs clarification.
Another notable point is when Venom explains to Eddie the dangers of the Xenophage species and how Venom cannot fully transform to avoid detection. This subtly hints that the symbiote’s capabilities are limited and raises concerns for future encounters with “full armor,” especially considering that the Xenophage has never appeared before.
However, the emotional journey between Eddie and Venom seems rushed and superficial. The plot twists unfold rapidly, often leaving viewers unprepared for the sudden shifts in narrative. Consequently, some sequences may have garnered more attention but ultimately feel like missed opportunities for character development, leading to a somewhat disjointed experience.
Rating: 3/5
Although the film is enjoyable, it ultimately feels like a setup for sequels rather than a standalone story. The relationship dynamics between Eddie and Venom shine most during their intense confrontations, which are the highlights of the film. However, the final installment of Venom: The Last Dance serves primarily as a springboard for greater possibilities within the SSU. The villain Knull is likely to reappear, bringing dark shadows back to Earth, setting the stage for future conflicts. Nevertheless, the ending of this trilogy feels like a bridge between Disney and Sony Pictures, hinting at potential collaborations if the two major studios decide to join forces again, as seen in Spider-Man: No Way Home?
Venom: The Last Dance is not a perfect film, as it leans towards being a commercial product, yet it still manages to capture the attention of audiences who have followed and supported Venom. The film’s cast performance may not be extraordinary, but the production still delivers a captivating visual and auditory experience. However, the screenplay by Kelly Marcel falls short in depth and coherence, often leading to excessive details that detract from the overall narrative of Venom: The Last Dance and leaves a lasting mark on this trilogy.
