Rating – *** (3/5)
Venom: The Last Dance
Directed by: Kelly Marcel
The Venom trilogy has had a curious evolution. What began with a lukewarm reception, facing harsh criticism for its chaotic storytelling and tonal inconsistencies has steadily found its footing with each instalment. In Venom: The Last Dance, the third and final film of Tom Hardy’s stint as the iconic symbiote, the series delivers a somewhat satisfying conclusion that, while still flawed, ties together the bizarre yet entertaining relationship between Eddie Brock and Venom.
Knull and the Codex
The story picks up with Eddie Brock and Venom still struggling to coexist, as their complex dynamic has always been at the franchise’s centre. However, this time, a more formidable and ancient threat looms in the form of Knull, an all-powerful villain from the symbiote mythology. The film dives deep into the concept of the Codex—an essence connected to Venom—that plays a key role in Knull’s ability to wreak havoc on the universe. Knull, imprisoned for eons, is bent on breaking free, and Venom finds himself inextricably linked to the villain’s plan.
Brock, alongside Venom, must confront this cosmic threat while dealing with their evolving connection. What starts as a personal journey for survival quickly turns into something much bigger, forcing them to grapple with their role in the wider symbiote universe. Though Knull’s character is underexplored, the sheer presence of a figure with this much potential as a villain sets the stage for interesting possibilities beyond this trilogy, opening doors to future narratives in the Marvel universe. Knull’s portrayal hints at a Thanos-like stature but with a dark, symbiote twist.
The Strength of Venom and Brock’s Relationship
One of the most consistent highlights of the Venom franchise has been the unusual but undeniably entertaining relationship between Eddie Brock and Venom. In The Last Dance, this dynamic reaches its peak. The familiar bromance, laced with bickering, banter, and moments of genuine emotional resonance, remains the heart and soul of the film. If anything, it’s the film’s strongest suit, offering humor and a sense of connection that elevates what might otherwise be a standard comic book film.
While the plot often veers into the nonsensical, the chemistry between Tom Hardy’s Eddie and Venom ensures there’s always something to latch onto. Their ongoing struggle to balance their relationship—one where Brock still fights for control while Venom pushes for dominance—adds layers of comedy and emotional tension. The film does a commendable job of exploring the human side of this bond, delving deeper into the emotional weight of being tethered to an alien symbiote.
An Improvement in Emotional Depth
Among the three Venom films, The Last Dance arguably explores human emotions the best. For a franchise that started with a largely superficial narrative, this final chapter takes the time to peel back the layers of Eddie Brock’s internal turmoil. He’s no longer just trying to live with Venom; he’s grappling with his place in the world and the responsibility that comes with wielding such dangerous power. It’s in these more introspective moments where the film shines, giving Hardy the space to fully inhabit Brock’s conflicted state of mind.
The emotional climax of the film, while surprising, is particularly effective. Without diving too deep into spoilers, it brings a sense of closure to the tumultuous journey that Brock and Venom have been on. It’s here that the film manages to evoke genuine emotion, something that might catch some viewers off guard considering the franchise’s typically chaotic tone. While not entirely a tearjerker, it does leave a lasting impression that humanizes the character beyond the symbiote’s antics.
Messy but Entertaining Storytelling
Despite the emotional depth and engaging central relationship, Venom: The Last Dance suffers from some of the same issues that plagued the previous films. The storytelling remains uneven, with moments that feel disjointed and lacking in narrative coherence. Knull, while a menacing villain on paper, is not fully developed, and his motivations remain somewhat unclear throughout much of the film. There’s a lot of build-up to his arrival, but the payoff doesn’t quite match the potential of the character.
This lack of narrative cohesion, combined with pacing issues, creates a viewing experience that can feel jarring. Several scenes jump between tones—sometimes absurdly funny, sometimes attempting serious drama—without a smooth transition. As with the previous instalments, it’s clear that the film struggles to maintain a consistent tone, often prioritizing spectacle over substance.
Venom’s Future and Knull’s Potential
One of the most intriguing elements of The Last Dance is the setup for the future of Venom and the symbiote universe. While this film marks the end of Hardy’s run, it leaves plenty of doors open for further exploration, especially with the introduction of Knull. As a character, Knull has the potential to be a major player in future Marvel projects, perhaps even rising to a Thanos-like level of importance in the cosmic hierarchy. The film hints at these possibilities but doesn’t fully commit to them, leaving viewers with just enough to speculate on what comes next.
Conclusion
Venom: The Last Dance is an imperfect but enjoyable conclusion to a trilogy that has surprised many by improving over time. Tom Hardy’s performance remains the cornerstone of the film, supported by a humorous and heartfelt relationship between Eddie Brock and Venom. Though the story is still messy and lacks a coherent flow, the film delivers enough emotional weight and entertainment value to make it a satisfying end. With the future of Venom and Knull still uncertain, the film succeeds in keeping the door open for more, all while delivering a fun, if flawed, finale to this chapter.