Venom (2018), directed by Ruben Fleischer and starring Tom Hardy as Eddie Brock/Venom, did this relatively unconventionally compared to most other Marvel-related superhero movies. It stayed far, far away from the typical bright, funny tone of MCU material while opting for this darker grittier approach with heavy doses of comedy.

Plot and Storytelling

The movie follows Eddie Brock, a journalist investigating the unethical practices of the Life Foundation and inadvertently merging with a symbiotic alien, Venom. This leads to an interesting relationship whereby Eddie is always struggling to keep in check the violent nature of Venom. The horror-comedy attempt over at times makes the film to make use of the banter between Eddie and Venom, but the plot does little justice to the darker sides of Venom, thus the narrative being more playful than menacing.

Tom Hardy

In summary, Tom Hardy can easily be said to be the only savior of this film. His portrayal of Eddie and the duality he portrays while interacting with Venom is one of the best moments in the film. Hardy infuses intensity with a sense of humor into the role, mostly during internal dialogue scenes and you feel him when he is making Eddie both vulnerable and likable.

Visual Effects and Action

Visually, Venom hits well on the symbiote’s transformation effects that make Venom’s on-screen presence intimidating and memorable. It’s hit-or-miss regarding action scenes; some are thrilling, but others feel too reliant on CGI, breaking immersion at times.

Reception and Criticism

Critics at the time generally regarded the movie as a dud and, primarily criticized its incongruous tone and poor pacing. Some thought that the humor seems misplaced at times, and plot seemed, although fun, rather superficial. Fans, however loved this aspect of the “so bad it’s good” quality of the film, and for the most part, the cult following derived from entertaining dynamics and Hardy’s performance.

Final Verdict

While Venom is unlikely to please every fan in this world, it still managed to fill that gap by embracing the messy tone of an anti-hero, making memorable moments and splashes of humor rather than offering a typical superhero storyline.