Venom: The Last Dance, an action/sci-fi film released on October 25, 2024, is the latest installment in Sony Pictures’ Venom series, the studio also responsible for the Spider-Man films. British actor Tom Hardy reprises his role as Eddie Brock and the beloved antihero Venom. The first two films, Venom (2018) and Venom: Let There Be Carnage (2021), received mixed reactions from audiences, often criticized for their disjointed storytelling and treatment of the characters. Despite this, fans found enjoyment in the films’ comedic moments and the animation of Venom himself.
The first film, Venom, was met with lukewarm critical reception, earning a 6.6 on IMDb, 30% on Rotten Tomatoes, and 35% on Metacritic. It follows Eddie Brock as he bonds with the alien symbiote Venom, transforming his life from disastrous to chaotic but thrilling. The film showcases impressive visual effects, particularly in Eddie’s transformation into Venom, and features memorable sequences, such as an intense police chase. While the plot struggles to maintain coherence, Sony’s inclusion of a post-credits scene teasing the sequel—and a collaboration with Eminem for the hit song “Venom”—boosted its appeal among fans.
Unlike the first film, Venom: Let There Be Carnage performed even worse critically, earning a 5.9 on IMDb, 58% on Rotten Tomatoes, and 49% on Metacritic. Starring Woody Harrelson as the deranged Cleetus Kasady (Carnage), the sequel pits Eddie against the psychopathic serial killer. While the story takes creative liberties, the visual effects stand out again, especially in the depiction of Carnage emerging from Cleetus’s skin—a departure from Venom’s suit-like appearance. The humor, including moments like Eddie trying to decipher Venom’s drawings, remains a defining feature of the series. The film also connects Venom to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) through a post-credits scene, setting the stage for a cameo in Spider-Man: No Way Home.
As a trilogy, the Venom series is a mixed bag, often relying on humor and CGI to compensate for its uneven storytelling. Critics frequently accuse Sony of reducing Venom to comic relief, arguing that the character’s chaotic nature feels out of place without Spider-Man. However, fans appreciate Venom’s head-eating obsession, the dynamic action sequences, and the impressive CGI that brings the symbiote to life.
Venom: The Last Dance seeks to redeem the series’ reputation. Sony ramped up the marketing for this installment with creative partnerships, including a collaboration with Busta Rhymes and Monster Energy, sponsorships with Hot Ones, and even a special Venom-themed pizza at Pizza Hut. The film continues the standalone approach, delving deeper into the origins of the symbiotes while maintaining the franchise’s trademark humor and action. Time will tell if it serves as a worthy conclusion or another chaotic chapter in Venom’s cinematic saga.
