Venom: The Last Dance marks the conclusion of Sony’s unconventional Venom trilogy, a franchise that has divided audiences since its inception. With Tom Hardy’s charismatic and often chaotic portrayal of Eddie Brock and Venom, the series carved out a unique space in the superhero genre—more comedic and absurd than the traditional dark anti-hero narrative. However, as the final installment, The Last Dance had a tall order: to wrap up Eddie and Venom’s journey while delivering fresh action, emotional stakes, and a fitting farewell. Did it succeed? Let’s break it down.
What Worked
- Eddie and Venom’s Dynamic Remains Strong
The heart of the Venom franchise has always been the odd-couple relationship between Eddie Brock and his alien symbiote, Venom. Once again, Tom Hardy delivers a standout performance, balancing humor, frustration, and reluctant companionship with finesse. The banter between Eddie and Venom remains as entertaining as ever, providing the film with its most enjoyable moments. Fans who loved this aspect of the previous movies will find it alive and well in The Last Dance.
- Visually Striking Action Sequences
Sony has steadily improved Venom’s action choreography, and The Last Dance features some of the best combat sequences in the trilogy. The CGI fluidity of Venom’s movements, combined with high-energy fight scenes, keeps the film visually engaging. Unlike Venom: Let There Be Carnage, which relied heavily on chaotic, hard-to-follow action, this installment refines the balance between spectacle and coherence. - A Strong Supporting Cast
One of the standout improvements in The Last Dance is its supporting cast. Juno Temple and Chiwetel Ejiofor bring fresh energy to the story, offering more than just secondary roles. Their performances add complexity and intrigue to the plot, making them more than mere placeholders in Eddie Brock’s chaotic world. Their presence strengthens the film’s emotional and narrative weight, something that was lacking in its predecessors.
What Didn’t Work
- Inconsistent Tone
The Venom movies have always walked a fine line between horror, comedy, and superhero action. While The Last Dance leans heavily into the humor that made the franchise stand out, it sometimes undercuts moments that should have had emotional or dramatic weight. The film struggles to maintain a steady tone, oscillating between absurdity and seriousness in a way that can feel jarring rather than fluid. - Underdeveloped Villain
One of the biggest criticisms of the Venom franchise has been its lackluster villains. Let There Be Carnage suffered from an underwhelming portrayal of Cletus Kasady (Woody Harrelson), and unfortunately, The Last Dance falls into a similar trap. While the antagonist’s motivations are hinted at, they lack depth, making them feel more like a plot device than a compelling character. This makes the stakes feel lower than they should be for a trilogy finale. - A Rushed Conclusion
Given that The Last Dance is the final installment in the series, expectations for a satisfying sendoff were high. However, the film rushes through its final act, leaving little room for meaningful closure. The ending feels abrupt, as though it needed another 20 minutes to properly resolve Eddie and Venom’s journey. While there are emotional beats that resonate, they don’t land with the impact they should.
Final Verdict
Venom: The Last Dance is a fun but flawed conclusion to the Venom trilogy. It delivers the quirky humor and chaotic energy fans expect, with strong performances and thrilling action sequences. However, its inconsistent tone, weak villain, and rushed ending prevent it from reaching its full potential. While it may not be the grand finale some hoped for, it serves as a final wild ride for Eddie Brock and his symbiotic partner—one last dance before the curtain falls.
