“Venom: The Last Dance,” the third installment in Sony’s Marvel Universe focusing on the anti-hero Venom, directed by Andy Serkis, takes the story of Eddie Brock and his symbiotic alien companion, Venom, to its darkest and most personal chapter yet. Following the chaotic events of “Venom” (2018) and “Venom: Let There Be Carnage” (2021), the 2024 sequel aims to provide deeper emotional resonance and a more gripping, high-stakes narrative while delivering the signature chaotic action that fans have come to love.
Tom Hardy reprises his dual role as Eddie Brock and the voice of Venom, taking the character into uncharted territory. This time, it’s not just about stopping a villainous symbiote; it’s about Eddie confronting his deepest insecurities, his crumbling sense of identity, and the moral complexities of living with Venom. “The Last Dance” promises an exploration of redemption, the loss of control, and the inevitability of sacrifice.
At its heart, the movie intertwines a new narrative involving a deadly symbiote antagonist with a subplot surrounding a mysterious character who gives the film its name, leading to a climactic and metaphorical “last dance” between Eddie, Venom, and their inner demons. This review will delve into the plot, performances, visual effects, action sequences, direction, and thematic depth of “Venom: The Last Dance.”
Plot Overview
The film begins with Eddie Brock (Tom Hardy) attempting to lead a relatively quiet life after the catastrophic events of “Let There Be Carnage.” Although the bond between him and Venom has solidified, it’s clear that Eddie is still struggling to maintain a semblance of control. The symbiote, Venom, while providing incredible physical power, continues to be a source of chaos and mental strain, leaving Eddie grappling with questions of autonomy, identity, and morality.
Eddie is still reeling from the violence of his past battles, and his relationship with Venom is put under the microscope. The two have developed an almost dysfunctional domesticity—Venom wants to embrace his primal instincts, while Eddie craves normalcy. However, this uneasy partnership is shaken when a powerful new symbiote appears on the scene—”Requiem,” an ancient, far more intelligent, and malevolent creature. Requiem is bonded to a shadowy, mysterious figure who is revealed to be deeply connected to Venom’s origins, drawing Eddie into a conspiracy far larger than he anticipated.
At the same time, Eddie meets a dancer named Elena (played by Jodie Comer), a character who is revealed to have a deep and tragic history with the symbiotes. Elena’s skills on the dance floor are more than just a metaphor for the fluidity of control; they also serve as a representation of her attempts to maintain control over her body and mind—something Eddie can deeply relate to. As Eddie grows closer to Elena, he begins to uncover her dark past, one that ties her to the experiments that first brought the symbiotes to Earth.
Requiem is not just another villain for Venom to physically combat; it represents a philosophical challenge. Requiem seeks to dominate humanity through subtle manipulation, offering them symbiotic partnerships that promise power but at the cost of their souls. Eddie finds himself in the midst of this existential battle, questioning whether his relationship with Venom is symbiotic or parasitic and whether there’s any chance for redemption for those bonded to these alien creatures.
As the narrative unfolds, Eddie and Venom face the ultimate test of their bond, culminating in a final battle that isn’t just about physical strength but mental and emotional endurance. The “last dance” is symbolic of Eddie’s ultimate confrontation with Venom, where both will have to decide their fates—whether to separate forever or finally find a balance.
Performances
Tom Hardy as Eddie Brock/Venom
Tom Hardy once again delivers an intense, dynamic performance as both Eddie Brock and the voice of Venom. Hardy’s portrayal of Eddie has always been complex—he’s not your typical superhero, but a flawed, vulnerable man constantly at odds with himself. In “Venom: The Last Dance,” Hardy deepens that portrayal, emphasizing Eddie’s internal struggle. His performance as Eddie is marked by desperation, self-doubt, and fear, while his voice work as Venom provides the opposite—a wild, chaotic, unapologetic force.
What stands out in this film is the way Hardy balances the humorous banter between Eddie and Venom with moments of real pathos. The film’s title, “The Last Dance,” serves as a metaphor for Eddie’s last attempt to take control of his life, and Hardy plays this to perfection, making Eddie’s journey both tragic and hopeful. Hardy’s ability to flip between the downtrodden Eddie and the unhinged Venom continues to be the franchise’s most engaging feature.
Jodie Comer as Elena
Jodie Comer, a standout addition to the cast, brings depth and intrigue to her role as Elena, a character whose connection to both Venom and the larger symbiote mythos drives much of the emotional weight of the film. Elena is not just a love interest or a sidekick; she’s a complex character in her own right, battling her own demons while teaching Eddie that control is sometimes an illusion. Comer plays Elena with a mix of vulnerability and resilience, making her arc as integral to the narrative as Eddie’s.
Her chemistry with Hardy is palpable, and her backstory—laden with trauma and her own past encounters with symbiotes—adds an emotional layer to the film. She’s also a physical force, with her dance sequences serving as symbolic representations of the delicate balance between control and chaos that Eddie is also navigating.
Supporting Cast
The supporting cast includes returning characters such as Anne Weying (Michelle Williams), whose relationship with Eddie remains fraught but central to his personal growth. Williams delivers a more subdued performance this time around, as her character’s arc has matured, and she offers Eddie the guidance and stability he lacks in his turbulent relationship with Venom. Meanwhile, Woody Harrelson’s Cletus Kasady, though not the primary antagonist, makes a brief, haunting appearance, adding to Eddie’s mounting guilt and inner turmoil.
The Villain: Requiem
Requiem, the new villain introduced in “Venom: The Last Dance,” is voiced by a mysterious, sinister actor whose identity is kept a secret until the final act of the film. Requiem is unlike any previous symbiote antagonist. Where Carnage was chaos personified, Requiem represents control, manipulation, and the slow, insidious erosion of free will. This villain isn’t interested in mass destruction but rather in bending humanity to its will, making it a perfect counterpoint to Venom’s raw, animalistic tendencies.
Direction and Cinematic Style
Andy Serkis, known for his deep understanding of CGI and motion-capture technology, returns to helm this darker and more emotionally charged film. His direction brings out the best in Hardy’s dual performance, as well as the new layers introduced with Comer’s character. Serkis balances the film’s tonality, managing to keep the comedic aspects of Eddie and Venom’s relationship intact while navigating a more mature, introspective narrative.
Serkis also elevates the action sequences, which are more visceral and elaborate than in previous films. Venom’s battles with Requiem are not just fights but psychological wars, where Eddie’s mental and physical strength are tested. The choreography of these sequences, particularly the climactic “dance” between Venom and Requiem, is both brutal and poetic, emphasizing the film’s central theme of control and release.
Visual Effects and Cinematography
The visual effects in “Venom: The Last Dance” are nothing short of spectacular. The symbiotes are rendered with stunning detail, showcasing their fluidity and the contrast between Venom’s brutish, chaotic form and Requiem’s more streamlined, controlled appearance. The final battle, set against the backdrop of a crumbling city, is visually arresting, with symbiotes moving in and out of buildings, intertwining in ways that are both monstrous and eerily graceful.
Cinematographer Robert Richardson brings a darker, more somber visual palette to this installment, using shadows and muted tones to reflect Eddie’s psychological state. The film’s more intimate moments, especially those between Eddie and Elena, are beautifully lit, contrasting with the chaotic action scenes.
Themes and Symbolism
Control vs. Chaos
The film’s central theme revolves around control—control over one’s body, mind, and fate. Eddie’s relationship with Venom is symbolic of his struggle to maintain control over his life, while Venom represents the chaos that constantly threatens to overwhelm him. Requiem, on the other hand, embodies a different kind of control—insidious, manipulative, and coldly calculated.
The “last dance” metaphor is woven throughout the film, with Elena’s dance sequences serving as a visual representation of this battle. Her movements, fluid yet controlled, mirror Eddie’s internal conflict as he grapples with his dual identity.
Redemption and Sacrifice
At its core, “Venom: The Last Dance” is a story of redemption. Eddie is searching for a way to redeem himself after the destruction and chaos caused by his bond with Venom. The film explores whether Eddie can ever truly be free of Venom, or if he must learn to accept the darker parts of himself in order to move forward.
The theme of sacrifice is also prominent, particularly in the film’s final act, where Eddie is forced to make a choice that will forever alter his relationship with Venom and the people he cares about.
Action Sequences and Choreography
“Venom: The Last Dance” offers some of the most inventive
