‘Venom: The Last Dance’ Review: The Best Outing in the SSU — but That’s Not Saying Much

The following review of Venom: The Last Dance is spoiler-free.

When Ruben Fleischer‘s Venom was released in 2018, comic book fans were confused that Sony Pictures actually went through with creating an origin film centered on one of Spider-Man’s biggest foes without the hero at all. It birthed the ironically-named Sony Spider-Man Universe (SSU), which includes Morbius and Madame Web. Despite its mixed reviews, Venom earned over $856 million at the global box office, prompting the studio to make a sequel, Venom: Let There Be Carnage directed by Andy Serkis.

Kelly Marcel, co-writer of the previous two films, makes her directorial debut with Venom: The Last Dance. This is being promoted as Tom Hardy‘s final outing as Venom and the end for this character in the SSU. Love or hate these films, Hardy arguably carries them on his back. He’s so passionate about this character that he helped Marcel write Venom 2 and Venom 3.

Venom: The Last Dance isn’t a wholly satisfying conclusion to the trilogy as it features a convoluted plot and one-dimensional characters. But it is the most entertaining of these films. From the emotional dynamic between Eddie Brock and Venom (both Hardy) to the action-packed third act that’ll have viewers on the edge of their seats, saddle up on your Venom horse and prepare to enjoy the Venom 3 ride.

‘Venom: The Last Dance’ Is a Cult-Classic in the Making

The dynamic between Eddie Brock and Venom is the highlight of the franchise for most fans because of the duo’s mix of buddy-comedy rapport and a slight hint of a romantic connection. Marcel and Hardy sell naysayers on this relationship in Venom: The Last Dance as they hammer home how Eddie and Venom’s lives have changed for the better since literally bonding together. It’s the emotional thrust of the film and it effectively works as viewers say goodbye to these versions of the iconic Marvel characters.

While Hardy needs spinal readjustment for carrying Venom 3 on his back, audiences will need a neck brace with the amount of whiplash they’ll experience. The flick jarringly switches back and forth between comedic and dark moments, making it confusing to understand what tone it’s trying to evoke. This unfortunately goes on for two whole acts before an explosive and jaw-dropping finale that’ll have audiences leaning forward in their chairs. Does the major battle make sense in the context of the film? Not one bit, but it’s a visual spectacle that feels ripped out of a comic book.

The Talented ‘Venom 3’ Cast Can’t Save This Superhero Film

Hardy has the benefit of growing into the role of Eddie Brock/Venom over two films, but the new cast members for Venom: The Last Dance can only do so much with what they’re given. It’s a shame Juno Temple is held back as Dr. Teddy Payne in this film after she stretched her acting range in Ted Lasso Seasons 1-3 and Fargo Season 5. Payne has a tragic childhood backstory, which she brings up in most of her scenes, but it doesn’t amount to anything meaningful for her growth.

Two years after playing sorcerer Baron Mordo in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Chiwetel Ejiofor switches from the MCU to SSU as a soldier tasked with capturing Eddie/Venom. Unlike Temple, Ejiofor’s character isn’t given any proper motivation for his actions and comes across very one-note. Ejiofor easily displays a range of emotions in his work outside of superhero projects, so it wouldn’t be surprising if he never returned to either franchise.

After helming Venom 2, Serkis returns to voice Knull, the creator of the symbiotes. Given even less to do than Temple and Ejiofor, he predictably delivers a chilling voice performance. The surprising standout of the film is Rhys Ifans‘ character. Considering that he played Dr. Curt Connors/Lizard in The Amazing Spider-Man duology and Spider-Man: No Way Home, it was an interesting choice to have him in this Spider-Man-adjacent film. Even though Ifans plays a completely different character from those movies, he’s an enjoyable part of Venom 3 and adds an interesting perspective to Eddie’s journey.

The Venom Horse Rides Off Into the Sunset

It’s a shame that after three movies (and a post-credit scene in a fourth film), Hardy’s Venom hasn’t directly interacted with the MCU toybox, let alone been in the same room as a Spider-Man. Hardy has been vocal that he’d return to the role if he gets to face off against Tom Holland‘s Spider-Man. With No Way Home being a fan’s dream come true and Spider-Man 4 in the works from director Destin Daniel Cretton, the door is open for Hardy’s comeback.

Despite its flaws, especially the lack of an Eminem song, Hardy’s performance as Eddie/Venom plays a huge part in what makes Venom: The Last Dance an enjoyable film. After Hardy tackled such gruff personas in his filmography, portraying a more light-hearted and comedic character was a strange choice, but Hardy continues to sell it. While Venom 3 is the best film of the SSU, it’s not the highest praise considering the other entries. Come December, Kraven the Hunter starring Aaron Taylor Johnson could change that.

Venom: The Last Dance is showing in theaters starting October 25. Follow the Agents of Fandom socials for all the latest entertainment news and reviews.