Venom: The Last Dance (2024) Review

The 2024 film Venom: The Last Dance, directed by Kelly Marcel, continues the symbiotic saga of Eddie Brock and Venom, offering a darker and more introspective journey compared to its predecessors. While the previous entries in the Venom franchise leaned heavily on comedic elements and frenetic action, The Last Dance shifts its tone to explore deeper themes of identity, loss, and redemption, delivering a more mature and emotionally resonant story.

Plot Overview

The film picks up several years after the events of Venom: Let There Be Carnage, with Eddie Brock (Tom Hardy) and Venom living in a fragile state of coexistence. Eddie is struggling to rebuild his career as a journalist, haunted by the chaos that their union has caused in the past. Meanwhile, Venom yearns for a sense of purpose, feeling stifled by their mundane existence. This fragile balance is disrupted when a new symbiote emerges, threatening not only Eddie and Venom but also the fragile peace between humanity and these alien entities.

The antagonist, codenamed “Eclipse,” is a mysterious and deadly new symbiote bonded with a vengeful former scientist, Dr. Mara Quinn (played by Jodie Comer). Driven by personal tragedy and a deep resentment for humanity’s exploitation of alien technology, Eclipse becomes a force of destruction, targeting those responsible for her pain. Her connection to Eddie’s past adds a layer of personal stakes, forcing him to confront his own failures and insecurities.

Performances

Tom Hardy once again delivers a stellar performance, balancing Eddie’s vulnerability with Venom’s unhinged energy. The dynamic between Eddie and Venom remains the heart of the film, with their banter and evolving relationship taking center stage. Hardy’s ability to convey Eddie’s inner turmoil while also capturing Venom’s chaotic charm is a testament to his versatility as an actor.

Jodie Comer is a standout addition to the cast, portraying Dr. Mara Quinn with a mix of intensity and vulnerability. Her character’s motivations are deeply rooted in grief and betrayal, making her a compelling and sympathetic antagonist. Comer’s performance brings depth to the film, elevating it beyond a simple good-versus-evil narrative.

Themes and Character Development

One of the most notable aspects of The Last Dance is its focus on themes of redemption and self-discovery. Eddie and Venom’s relationship is tested like never before, as they grapple with their respective identities and the consequences of their actions. The film delves into the idea of duality—both within Eddie and Venom as individuals and as a symbiotic pair—and asks whether true redemption is possible for those who have caused harm, even inadvertently.

Dr. Mara Quinn’s journey serves as a foil to Eddie’s, showcasing how grief and anger can lead to destruction when left unchecked. Her character’s tragic arc underscores the importance of forgiveness and understanding, adding a poignant emotional layer to the story.

Action and Visual Effects

While the tone of The Last Dance is more somber, it doesn’t skimp on action. The fight sequences are visceral and meticulously choreographed, with a particular emphasis on showcasing the unique abilities of both Venom and Eclipse. The climactic battle is a visual spectacle, blending high-stakes action with emotional weight.

The visual effects team deserves praise for their work on the symbiotes, which are rendered with remarkable detail and fluidity. Eclipse’s design is particularly striking, featuring a sleek, obsidian-like exterior with glowing red veins that reflect her volatile nature. The attention to detail in the symbiotes’ movements and interactions with their environments enhances the immersive quality of the film.

Direction and Writing

Kelly Marcel, known for her work as a screenwriter on the previous Venom films, makes her directorial debut with The Last Dance. Her familiarity with the characters and the franchise’s tone is evident, as she strikes a balance between character-driven storytelling and blockbuster action. Marcel’s direction brings a level of intimacy to the narrative, allowing the emotional beats to land without feeling overwrought.

The screenplay, co-written by Marcel and Jeff Pinkner, is tightly constructed, with a focus on character development and thematic depth. While the film retains moments of humor—primarily through Venom’s irreverent commentary—it feels more grounded and nuanced than its predecessors. This shift in tone may not resonate with all fans, particularly those who enjoyed the over-the-top humor of the earlier films, but it serves the story well.

Soundtrack and Score

The musical score, composed by Ludwig Göransson, is a standout element of the film. Göransson’s compositions blend haunting melodies with pulsating rhythms, capturing the tension and emotional complexity of the narrative. The soundtrack also features a mix of contemporary tracks and orchestral pieces, adding to the film’s atmospheric quality.

Strengths and Weaknesses

One of the film’s greatest strengths is its willingness to take creative risks. By shifting the tone and exploring deeper themes, The Last Dance sets itself apart from its predecessors and other entries in the superhero genre. The performances, particularly those of Hardy and Comer, are another highlight, anchoring the story with emotional authenticity.

However, the film is not without its flaws. Some viewers may find the pacing uneven, as the slower, character-focused moments occasionally disrupt the momentum of the action sequences. Additionally, while Dr. Mara Quinn is a compelling antagonist, her backstory is delivered through exposition-heavy dialogue, which could have been more effectively conveyed through visual storytelling.

Conclusion

Venom: The Last Dance is a bold and refreshing installment in the Venom franchise, offering a darker and more introspective take on the symbiotic saga. Its emphasis on character development and emotional depth sets it apart from the typical superhero fare, making it a standout entry in the genre. While it may not appeal to all fans of the previous films, it succeeds in delivering a gripping and thought-provoking story that expands the scope of the Venom universe.

For those willing to embrace its tonal shift and introspective narrative, The Last Dance is a rewarding and unforgettable cinematic experience that redefines what a Venom film can be.