Melbourne
March 29-30, 2025
Melbourne Showgrounds
Venom: The Last Dance brings the chaos and mayhem associated with Venom and the Venomverse. The sensation of never-ending dread is balanced well with comedy, the appreciation of life and hope.
Since 2018’s Venom by Sony Pictures, Eddie Brock and the alien Symbiote known as Venom, played first by the late Brad Venable and then Tom Hardy, have delivered nonstop action and symbiotic thrills. This lovable buddy duo, now in their third theatrical instalment, is still fresh and compelling, with major character development playing a critical role in the film’s plot.
The Last Dance takes place after the events of Venom: Let There Be Carnage and Spider-Man: No Way Home, where Eddie and Venom have found themselves in a perilous plight. They must use their wits to outmanoeuvre dangerous agents from both the American Government and fierce creatures sent from the King in Black; Knull.
This fortissimo coda to the Venom Trilogy is noticeably darker and brutal, highlighting the chaos and destruction that is Knull. Those familiar with the Marvel Comics will know that Knull is the God and creator of the Symbiotes. Andy Serkis delivers the dread, intensity and despair expected of this cosmic threat. The small doses of Knull serve the story well and will leave moviegoers wanting more.
The plot is presented as a cat-and-mouse scenario, with a feeling of suspense that radiates off the screen. Venom and Eddie are more mature and sophisticated, bearing a greater resemblance to their comic counterparts than in previous entries. The story thoroughly explores their relationship and friendship, making the events unfolding around them infinitely more tragic.
Comedy and banter between Venom and Eddie akin to the previous films balance the story’s darker themes. The bits of humour and fun scattered throughout The Last Dance complement the story and enhance the overarching dread of this tale. In the face of imminent demise, shouldn’t one slow down and appreciate the cycle of life? It’s bittersweet.
The Last Dance delivers plenty of references, Easter eggs, and “Oh my God I read this in the comics” moments. Venom and Eddie don’t know how this ends, and neither does the audience, the thrills remain edge-of-your-seat even when the end credits roll. Please note to stay until the end credits finish rolling or important plot elements will be missed.
New and old supporting characters join this instalment and play crucial roles in filling out the story, especially in the final battle sequence. Out of the lot, an old favourite steals the show. Mrs. Chen (played by Peggy Lu) returns in a short, but fantastic sequence set in Las Vegas.
The Last Dance closes the Venom Trilogy with a suspenseful and triumphant denouement. It’s a story of appreciating life, especially in the face of death. Only time will tell if this is the true end of the cinematic Venomverse, but in the world of comics… Is anyone truly gone?
‘Venom: The Last Dance’ is in cinemas now
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