The epic odyssey of Eddie Brock and Venom has reached a provisional climax, bringing to a close a Venom trilogy that is as perplexingly whimsical, viscerally entertaining, and unexpectedly heartwarming as it is baffling. Critics, who have largely dismissed the franchise since its inception with the 2018 film Venom, might not have anticipated such a quirky and idiosyncratic conclusion. Yet, it is an ending that embraces its unique identity with unwavering conviction, one that Tom Hardy has undeniably earned through his fiercely committed portrayal.
Let me be frank: I am an unapologetic admirer of the Venom films. They boldly embrace the whimsical essence of the '90s comics, envelop themselves in the B-movie monster tropes, and consistently defy the conventional formulas of the superhero genre. In a crowded superhero landscape dominated by increasingly intricate mythologies, these films stand as outliers, bucking the trend with their refreshingly unconventional approach.
I'm not suggesting that lore-laden blockbusters lack merit; far from it. However, it's exhilarating to witness films that eschew grandeur and know precisely who their audience is. This isn't a critique of those who dislike these movies or dismissive of film criticism's subjective nature. Instead, it's an acknowledgment that, in the grand scheme of this particular franchise, the stakes are low, and enjoyment is entirely subjective.
The game being played here is captivating due to its adaptable rules. If crafting superhero movies is akin to playing poker for the highest possible stakes, then the Venom films are the equivalent of wagering Monopoly money, a Rolex, and a handful of marbles purely for the sheer joy of it. It's not the anticipated jackpot, but it holds intrinsic value, even if it disrupts the established order.
Much of this adaptability stems from Hardy's fervent dedication to the character and his hands-on approach to steering the series. While numerous actors pour their hearts into superhero and supervillain roles, Hardy embarked on this journey because of his son's affection for Venom, during an era where virtually every aspiring actor was courted for a superhero gig. What could have been merely a professional obligation for an Oscar-nominated talent like Hardy instead transformed into a labor of love, with him bringing a diverse array of influences, acting methodologies, and his long-standing friend and creative collaborator Kelly Marcel, who has penned and produced each film and directed the latest chapter.
In these films, Hardy embodies a rejection of ego. He's unafraid to embrace the absurdity, diving into tanks filled with live lobsters, enduring ketchup showers, or being dragged across the desert, all while delivering his distinctive "voice." An admirable aspect of Hardy's performance is his refusal to be typecast, showcasing his versatility and range.
Months after delivering one of the year's most striking performances as Johnny in Jeff Nichols' masterpiece, "The Bikeriders," Tom Hardy skillfully embodied Eddie Brock in "Venom: The Last Dance," shuffling around with one shoe on and a voice echoing in his mind. Even more intriguing, the actor poured an equal measure of love and sincerity into both characters, who grapple with the heartache of their alternate lives and potential selves.
The highlight of "Venom: The Last Dance," the scene that consistently captures my imagination, is not an exhilarating action sequence but a serene moment where Eddie and Venom hitchhike in a hippie family's caravan. As the family performs David Bowie's "Space Oddity" in the distant background, Eddie ponders existentialism, legacy, and the people surrounding him. Venom thoughtfully remarks, "Sometimes I think we could have been happy with a life like this," and shortly after, "You would've made a good dad, Eddie." This moment perfectly encapsulates the essence of the franchise, a character yearning for normalcy and companionship, mirrored by an actor whose role as a father shaped these films.
Despite their critical unpopularity and whimsical nature, the "Venom" films transcend their comic origins, popularity first garnered in Spider-Man comics, to reflect Hardy himself. "Venom: The Last Dance" might be the purest representation of this concept. Hardy's well-documented affection for dogs prominently influences the film's opening action sequence, where Venom confronts a criminal gang operating a dog-fighting ring, ultimately freeing the innocent animals.
His distinctive Venom voice, as he recently shared with MTV, is largely inspired by his lifelong love for hip-hop music. Even the subtly queer dynamics between Eddie and Venom resonate with Hardy's perspective of acceptance and reluctance to confine people or art within rigid boxes.
Some argue that Sony's "Venom" franchise is solely an IP-driven endeavor, capitalized on the rights to Spider-Man
