“Venom” (2018) is a superhero film directed by Ruben Fleischer and based on the Marvel Comics character Venom. The film is part of Sony’s Spider-Man Universe (SSU) and is loosely connected to the broader Marvel Universe. The film stars Tom Hardy as Eddie Brock, a journalist who becomes the host for an alien symbiote, which gives him extraordinary powers and transforms him into the anti-hero Venom.

Plot Summary

The film follows Eddie Brock (Tom Hardy), an ambitious and aggressive journalist who is determined to expose the corrupt practices of a powerful tech corporation called Life Foundation, led by the mysterious Carlton Drake (Riz Ahmed). While investigating Drake’s company, Eddie stumbles upon a secret experiment involving an alien symbiote, a parasitic organism that can bond with other creatures to grant them extraordinary abilities.

Eddie’s life takes a dramatic turn when he inadvertently becomes bonded with one of these symbiotes, Venom, after an accidental encounter with one of the Life Foundation’s experiments. As the symbiote merges with Eddie, he gains heightened strength, agility, and the ability to regenerate, but he also begins to experience erratic behavior, violent tendencies, and internal conflict, as Venom’s aggressive nature clashes with Eddie’s more human side.

At first, Eddie struggles with his new identity and powers, but soon he realizes that the symbiote is not just a dangerous entity but also an essential ally. Together, Eddie and Venom must battle against the Life Foundation and its leader, Carlton Drake, who plans to use the symbiotes to take over the world. As Eddie and Venom develop an uneasy partnership, they face off against an even more powerful symbiote, Riot, who bonds with Drake and becomes the film’s antagonist.

The film explores Eddie’s transformation into the anti-hero Venom, who, despite his violent tendencies, starts to use his newfound powers for good, protecting the innocent while struggling with the moral implications of his actions. As Eddie and Venom confront both their inner demons and external threats, they must decide whether to become heroes or embrace their darker sides.

Key Themes

1. Identity and Duality: The central theme of Venom is the duality of Eddie Brock and Venom. Eddie is a man torn between his human self and the alien symbiote that has taken over his body. The film explores themes of identity, self-worth, and how external forces (in this case, the symbiote) can shape one’s sense of self. Eddie must learn to control his relationship with Venom while accepting the darker, more primal side of himself.
2. Anti-Heroism and Morality: Venom presents the concept of the anti-hero—someone who operates outside the traditional boundaries of good and evil. Eddie, as Venom, doesn’t fit the classic superhero mold. He is reluctant to embrace his powers, and he does not have a clear-cut moral compass. However, his actions ultimately benefit those around him, despite his chaotic, destructive methods. The film asks whether the end justifies the means and explores how people can be driven to do the right thing, even when they are far from perfect.
3. Corruption and Corporate Greed: The villain of the film, Carlton Drake, is a representation of corporate greed and unethical scientific practices. The Life Foundation is portrayed as a corporation willing to sacrifice human lives for profit and advancement. This reflects broader societal concerns about the dangers of unchecked corporate power and the moral consequences of scientific experimentation without ethical consideration.
4. Friendship and Partnership: Eddie’s relationship with Venom forms the emotional backbone of the film. Although Venom is initially a parasitic and destructive force, their partnership becomes more symbiotic as the story progresses. The unlikely bond between Eddie and Venom is built on mutual respect and necessity, and their evolving relationship provides both moments of humor and emotional depth in the film.

Character Development and Performances

• Eddie Brock / Venom (Tom Hardy): Tom Hardy’s portrayal of Eddie Brock is the centerpiece of the film. Hardy brings a unique energy to the character, portraying Eddie as a flawed, down-on-his-luck journalist who is given a second chance at life through the symbiote. His performance is both comedic and intense, capturing Eddie’s internal struggle as he deals with Venom’s influence. Hardy’s energetic and unpredictable portrayal of Eddie’s transformation into Venom is one of the most engaging aspects of the film. Hardy also voiced Venom, bringing the character’s dark, menacing persona to life in a way that is both humorous and threatening.
• Carlton Drake (Riz Ahmed): Riz Ahmed plays the villainous Carlton Drake, the CEO of the Life Foundation. Drake is driven by his desire for scientific progress and power, and Ahmed brings a cold, calculating presence to the character. Although the film doesn’t delve deeply into Drake’s motivations, Ahmed plays him as a charming but sinister figure whose willingness to sacrifice others for his own gain makes him a fitting antagonist.
• Anne Weying (Michelle Williams): Michelle Williams plays Anne Weying, Eddie’s ex-fiancée and a lawyer who becomes entangled in the events surrounding the symbiotes. Anne’s character serves as an emotional anchor for Eddie, and Williams delivers a strong performance, although her role is somewhat secondary to the film’s primary focus on Eddie and Venom’s dynamic.
• Venom (voiced by Tom Hardy): Venom is a unique character in itself, with his own distinct voice and personality. As a symbiote, Venom represents Eddie’s darker impulses, and his interactions with Eddie form a quirky and chaotic partnership. Venom is portrayed as both a dangerous force and a sarcastic, almost humorous figure, which provides a lot of the film’s comedic moments. Tom Hardy’s voice performance as Venom adds a level of charisma and menace to the character, balancing both humor and intensity.

Cinematography and Direction

Venom is visually engaging, with special effects and action sequences designed to showcase the monstrous nature of the symbiotes. The film’s use of CGI to bring Venom and Riot to life is a highlight, especially during the intense fight scenes between the two symbiotes. The action sequences are fast-paced, chaotic, and filled with explosive moments, highlighting the destructive powers of the characters.

The cinematography by Robert Richardson effectively captures the dark, gritty atmosphere of the film, with shadows and lighting used to emphasize the tension between Eddie and Venom. The cityscape of San Francisco also plays an important role in setting the tone, providing a backdrop of modernity against the larger-than-life battles between the characters.

Director Ruben Fleischer creates a balance between the action and the humor, ensuring that the film remains entertaining while exploring deeper themes of identity, power, and morality. While the film is primarily an action-packed superhero movie, Fleischer also infuses it with moments of lightheartedness and quirky humor, especially in the dynamic between Eddie and Venom.

Music and Soundtrack

The film’s score, composed by Lorne Balfe, complements the action and suspense of the film with a driving, intense soundtrack. The music builds tension during key action sequences and helps to elevate the emotional stakes of the story. The film’s use of sound is also effective in emphasizing Venom’s menacing presence and his relationship with Eddie.

The soundtrack features a mix of intense orchestral scores and rock songs, with the music helping to create a pulse-pounding atmosphere during the film’s many action scenes.

Reception and Legacy

Venom received a mixed-to-positive reception from critics, with many praising Tom Hardy’s performance as Eddie Brock/Venom and the film’s humor and action sequences. However, some critics felt that the film’s narrative was uneven and that the character development was lacking. The film was particularly praised for its comedic elements, with the dynamic between Eddie and Venom being a highlight.

Despite the mixed reviews, Venom was a major commercial success, grossing over $850 million worldwide against a $100 million budget. This success led to the development of a sequel, Venom: Let There Be Carnage (2021), which continued the story of Eddie and Venom.

Venom is often considered one of the more successful “anti-hero” films in the superhero genre, offering a unique take on the character by focusing on humor, action, and a darker, grittier tone. The film’s success at the box office has cemented Venom as a beloved character in the broader Marvel universe, paving the way for future films in the Sony Spider-Man Universe.

Fun Facts

• Tom Hardy’s Dedication: Tom Hardy was deeply involved in the development of the film, offering input into the script and character portrayal. He even went as far as to suggest certain scenes and dialogue for the character of Venom.
• Post-Credit Scene: The film features a post-credit scene introducing Cletus Kasady (played by Woody Harrelson), the character who will become Carnage in the sequel. This sets up the next chapter in the Venom saga and teases a more powerful antagonist for Eddie and Venom to face.

Conclusion

Venom (2018) is an entertaining and action-packed superhero film that introduces audiences to a darker, more unconventional hero. With Tom Hardy’s charismatic performance and the unique dynamic between Eddie and Venom, the film stands out in the superhero genre as a mix of humor, action, and chaotic energy. Despite its narrative flaws, Venom succeeded as a commercial hit and established the character as a key figure in Sony’s growing universe of Spider-Man-related films. Its success laid the foundation for future films featuring the anti-hero, cementing Venom’s place in pop culture.