Disclaimer: This Venom: The Last Dance review contains plot spoilers.
The villainous Knull, the creator of the symbiotes, sends xenophages to Earth to hunt the codex inside Eddie and Venom. With a new threat looming, Eddie and Venom must work together to save the world.
The final instalment of Sony’s Venom trilogy delivers everything that attracted fans in the first place. Whether viewers want symbiote-action, bickering banter, or emotional earnestness, Venom: The Last Dance delivers it all in abundance.
The Hardy
Tom Hardy has always been committed in his performances across this trilogy. Hardy pulls double-duty in portraying Eddie Brock and voicing Venom. Casual viewers might not know that Hardy also has story credits for the second and third films (Let There Be Carnage and The Last Dance). Ever since Hardy climbed into the lobster tank in Venom (2018), there has never been any doubt of his dedication to these characters.
Hardy’s knack for physical comedy deserves more credit. While the visual creation of Venom relies on VFX artists, Hardy has to lay the strong foundation for them to build on. Whether it’s the jerky movements of Venom’s possession or the intense emotional expressions from having one’s life thrust upside down, Hardy makes every detail and nuance real.
The Humour
Humour has always been a major selling point of the Venom films. Visually, Venom’s design can come across as frightening. Anyone unfamiliar with the character may presume he will set up a more horror-leaning story. In actuality, these Venom films are overflowing with comedic banter.
Eddie and Venom are an odd couple. The stories have increasingly leaned into that dynamic. The Last Dance takes every opportunity to deliver ‘old married couple’ banter. This script also leans into the sillier, childlike enthusiasm Venom has for life itself. Whether it’s a bar of chocolate, slot machines, or becoming a horse-symbiote, Hardy infuses the utmost energy into Venom’s voice.
The Heart
WARNING: Major plot spoilers below.
The most revelatory part of this film is the fact that it is ultimately a love letter to humanity itself. When looking back at the arc of Venom across the trilogy, it is just as much about Venom falling in love with humankind as he grew to love Eddie.
The xenophages are extremely powerful, monstrous, and nearly impossible for humans and symbiotes to kill. They give it their best effort but in the end, only the ultimate sacrifice will work to defeat them. Venom expands to absorb the xenophages into his gloop. Once he has them in his grasp, he drags them toward a giant acid tank. It’s a bittersweet, emotionally resonant conclusion to Venom’s journey. From a refugee seeking safe haven on an unknown planet, to the ultimate hero who saves the world.
Venom’s sacrifice is even more impactful by the details of the storytelling. He places a reinforced door on top of Eddie to protect him from acid-splatter and an explosion. When Strickland is struggling to keep the acid flowing, Venom uses a gooey limb to press the necessary buttons to finish the job.
All throughout the story, there are moments of genuine connection. The Moon family help Eddie (and Venom unknowingly) when he’s down on his luck. They save Eddie and are saved by Venom at various points during the final battle. Mrs. Chen gives Eddie a place to clean up in Las Vegas and does a joyful dance number with Venom.
These are the intimate glimpses of the emotional centre of the story. It is the beating heart of the Venom saga. Beyond the bombastic spectacle of high-octane action lies a universal truth: We Are Venom.
Rating: 3.8/5
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