Why can’t we all just get along?
Somewhat unexpectedly, this question has been at the core of Sony’s Venom series since the first film. What began as an attempt to stay dark and gritty has evolved into a full-blown bromance between the two characters. The more that Sony has made the relationship between Eddie Brock and his symbiote front and centre, the more entertaining that the series has become. In this world, they’ve given a silliness to the darkest Spider-Man villain intentionally—and its worked. Gone is the intent to make Venom into anything short of a buddy comedy but, somehow, that has kept this franchise from falling away like other Spider-Man adjacent film such as Morbius or Madame Web. And this trend continues in Venom: The Last Dance, the third (and final?) film in the franchise.
In Venom: The Last Dance, Eddie Brock (Tom Hardy) find themselves hunted on all sides. On the run for the murder of Detective Mulligan in the previous film, they decide to head to New York in the hopes of starting over. However, their plans are derailed when they find themselves being pursued by aliens from Venom’s home world. Intent on reclaiming an artifact designed to unleash an unholy evil, Venom and his human counterpart are now firmly in their crosshairs. With the walls closing in, the duo must make their last stand together in an effort to save the world… and themselves.
Though Last Dance is the first film directed by Kelly Marcel, she’s certainly long been affiliated with the franchise. Having written all three entries, Marcel has helped this character to evolve from Spider-Man’s nemesis into a chocolate-loving, dancing machine. While this seems jarring, Marcel’s willingness to hold on to the madness has actually managed to keep the franchise relevant. Moments where Venom wants to participate in a family sing-a-long or literally have a ‘last dance’ with an old friend would simply not work in any other world. Marcel has let go of the seriousness and taken hold of the silly. (For example, in a moment that feels almost meta to the franchise, Eddie even asks “why is this happening?”) Although it doesn’t always make sense, it becomes more fun with each leap in logic.
I mean, at one point, The Last Dance even uses a venomized horse… and it’s glorious.
Without giving any spoilers, Brock and his beastie feel genuinely linked at this point in the franchise. Not known for his comedic side, Hardy seems to have allowed himself the freedom to access his natural gravitas while still getting a little goofy, It’s a unique blend of comedy and connection that has carved out its own space in the superhero realm.
As a result, the best moments in The Last Dance are Eddie’s arguments with his alien darkside. After three films, Brock and Venom have managed to create a (literal) bond, both physically and emotionally. And Last Dance tries to capitalize on that interpersonal (and interspecies) investment by giving them space to care for one another. This leads to some genuine moments between the two that have been earned over the course of the franchise. Terror has given way to tenderness.
And The Last Dance furthers this conversation with the addition of further symbiotes into the mix. Without giving any spoilers, there’s a genuine sense that Venom is not alone in his desire to find safe spaces. His symbiotic relationship with Eddie has its dangerous side but it also has provided an opportunity for him to feel valued and useful. In Eddie, Venom has found a new piece of himself.
He is not Venom. They are Venom. And others want the same opportunity.
Of course, The Last Dance inevitably has all the action set pieces that one would expect from the average superhero faire. There are military raids, explosions and violent alien hunters with murder on their minds. But these aren’t the moments that are memorable. Instead, the best scenes are those that are most intimate. Somehow, Marcel has taken (arguably) Marvel’s darkest character and built one of their best bromances. It’s weird. It’s wild. But, dang it, it works.
Venom: The Last Dance is available in theatres on Friday, October 25th, 2024
