Venom: The Last Dance Opens with Mixed Reviews in India as Franchise’s Final Installment Battles Box Office

Venom: The Last Dance, directed by Kelly Marcel, opened on October 24, 2024, marking the third and final movie in Sony’s Venom trilogy starring Tom Hardy as Eddie Brock. With a notable opening day collection of ₹5.50 crores at the Indian box office, The Last Dance outperformed its predecessors but faced stiff competition from recent releases like Joker 2. Hardy reprises his role, delivering what some fans view as a fitting performance for the film's dramatic yet chaotic narrative.

The first-day earnings in India are significant compared to past installments. Venom (2018) had an opening day collection of ₹4.09 crores, while Venom: Let There Be Carnage (2021) brought in ₹3.71 crores. This film’s slightly higher numbers indicate a strong fan base, despite the movie’s mixed critical reception.

Audience Reception: A Mixed Bag

While Venom: The Last Dance has an eager fan following, critics are divided on its execution. The movie has been praised for its high-energy performance from Hardy and strong supporting characters like Commander Rex Strickland, portrayed by Chiwetel Ejiofor. However, many reviews highlight concerns over a weak screenplay and disjointed pacing, marking a departure from the wild, unpredictable energy of previous films in the series.

Critics note that The Last Dance struggles to maintain the fast-paced, light-hearted chaos that defined the first two movies, leaning instead into more somber themes. While the movie offers impressive CGI sequences and action-packed scenes, the story doesn’t consistently balance its humor and seriousness, with some of the film's tone shifts feeling forced and awkward.

A Familiar Plot with High Stakes

The storyline follows Eddie Brock and the Venom symbiote as they evade government agencies and battle extraterrestrial threats in the Nevada desert. Led by Commander Strickland, a covert military unit, known as Imperium, pursues them. Meanwhile, the arrival of a vicious alien monster, a Xenophage, complicates their journey, as it is sent by the antagonist Knull, a powerful entity responsible for creating the symbiotes.

Through a series of battles, Eddie and Venom must come to terms with the potential consequences of their bond. To prevent Knull from escaping, Venom makes a dramatic decision to end their connection, sacrificing himself to ensure Knull remains imprisoned indefinitely. The film concludes on a somber note, with Eddie gazing at the Statue of Liberty, reminiscing about their journey together.

Post-Credit Scenes: Potential Franchise Continuation?

Despite Venom: The Last Dance being billed as the final installment, two post-credit scenes suggest the potential for more stories within Sony’s Spider-Man Universe. The first scene revisits Knull, who ominously suggests he may still pose a threat, hinting at the possibility of a return. The second scene brings a comedic callback, showing the impact of Eddie and Venom’s antics on a bartender from a previous scene. This lighter moment suggests that the franchise might still have surprises in store, leaving room for fans to speculate about Venom’s potential reappearance.

Venom’s Journey: Balancing Chaos with Complexity

The Venom franchise has resonated with audiences for its unique blend of chaotic humor and supernatural action. Venom (2018) and Let There Be Carnage (2021) took viewers on unpredictable adventures, with Hardy’s characteristically intense performance and his humorous interactions with the symbiote bringing an unmistakable appeal to the series. However, The Last Dance attempts a more somber, complex narrative, focusing on Eddie and Venom’s inner conflict, perhaps at the cost of the franchise’s signature wild energy.

This installment marks a stylistic shift that, while ambitious, has left some fans yearning for the campiness of previous films. Certain sequences, like the fight at Area 51, contain the high-stakes action the franchise is known for. However, the film also introduces subplots that critics argue dilute the main storyline, such as the subplot involving Dr. Teddy Payne (played by Juno Temple) and her mysterious research, which interrupts the movie’s rhythm and draws focus away from Eddie and Venom’s journey.

Tom Hardy’s Role and Kelly Marcel’s Direction

The film’s script, co-developed by Tom Hardy and first-time director Kelly Marcel, brings a new perspective to the series. Hardy’s portrayal of Eddie remains a high point, with many scenes showcasing his commitment to the role. However, the screenplay’s inconsistent tone has been noted as a factor that detracts from the overall experience. Marcel’s direction introduces depth to Eddie’s struggles but arguably loses some of the raw, campy style that defined earlier films.

The supporting cast, including Ejiofor, Temple, and Rhys Ifans as the road-tripping hippie Martin, add unique elements to the narrative, but their story arcs may feel like a departure from the core focus. While these characters create interesting dynamics, they do not always feel cohesively integrated into the movie’s main storyline, affecting the film’s pacing.

Will There Be a Venom 4?

The Venom franchise remains one of the most commercially successful entries in Sony’s Spider-Man Universe, and fans worldwide have shown interest in a potential fourth movie. While box-office projections for The Last Dance look promising, particularly internationally, Hardy has not yet expressed an interest in returning for another film. Should a fourth installment be greenlit, it would likely feature new plotlines and characters, as this movie brings Eddie and Venom’s storyline to an emotional conclusion.

In the current superhero film climate, many franchises are exploring spinoffs or multiverse storylines to continue their legacy. Sony’s Venom films have successfully engaged audiences with their mix of anti-hero antics and action-packed scenes, and the continuation of the Venom story would likely depend on international reception, fan interest, and box-office success.

Legacy of the Venom Trilogy

For fans who appreciate superhero movies that deviate from traditional hero narratives, Venom: The Last Dance offers a blend of thrills, suspense, and character-driven conflict. Hardy’s trilogy has introduced audiences to a character who is both flawed and deeply human, an anti-hero whose bond with Venom encapsulates the chaotic nature of their existence. Whether this final chapter resonates with fans as the others did or not, Venom has made a unique mark on Sony’s Spider-Man Universe, one that has entertained fans worldwide.