Venom: The Last Dance is a 2024 American superhero film directed by Kelly Marcel, marking the final chapter in the Venom trilogy. This installment is part of Sony's Spider-Man Universe (SSU) and features Tom Hardy reprising his dual roles as Eddie Brock and Venom.
Plot Overview
In this climactic episode, Eddie Brock and his symbiote companion, Venom, are fugitives, pursued by both human authorities and alien entities. Their perilous journey leads them to confront Knull, the ancient and formidable creator of the symbiotes, who poses a dire threat to the universe. Facing overwhelming odds, Eddie and Venom are compelled to make a profound sacrifice to thwart Knull's catastrophic plans, culminating in a decisive battle that tests their bond and alters their destinies.
Main Cast
Tom Hardy as:
- Eddie Brock: An investigative journalist bonded with the alien symbiote Venom.
- Venom (voice and motion capture): A sentient alien symbiote sharing a body with Eddie, granting him superhuman abilities.
Chiwetel Ejiofor as Rex Strickland: A mysterious military figure pursuing Eddie and Venom.
Juno Temple as Dr. Camille Pazzo: A scientist intrigued by the symbiote phenomenon.
Rhys Ifans as Knull (voice and motion capture): The ancient and powerful creator of the symbiotes, posing a significant threat to Earth.
Stephen Graham as Patrick Mulligan: A detective with a complex history involving symbiotes.
Peggy Lu as Mrs. Chen: The owner of a local convenience store and confidante to Eddie.
Production Insights
Following the success of the previous films, Venom: The Last Dance was officially announced in April 2022. Filming commenced in late June 2023 in Spain but faced interruptions due to industry strikes, resuming in November 2023 and concluding by February 2024. The film's title was revealed in March 2024, with Kelly Marcel, who co-wrote the prior installments, making her directorial debut.
Critical Reception
Upon its release on October 25, 2024, the film received mixed reviews. Critics praised Tom Hardy's performance and the dynamic between Eddie and Venom but criticized the convoluted plot and overreliance on CGI. Some reviewers noted that the film seemed intentionally campy, with Vulture commenting that it "showcases Tom Hardy's quirky performance but fails to present a coherent or engaging narrative."
Box Office Performance
Despite the mixed critical reception, Venom: The Last Dance performed well at the box office, grossing over $472.8 million worldwide.
Streaming Availability
The film became available for digital purchase and rental on December 10, 2024, on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. It is expected to stream on Netflix around February 2025, following Sony Pictures' distribution agreement with the platform.
Conclusion
Venom: The Last Dance delivers a high-stakes conclusion to Eddie Brock and Venom's journey, blending action, humor, and emotional depth. While it has garnered mixed reactions, the film provides closure to the trilogy and sets the stage for potential future narratives within Sony's Spider-Man Universe.
