Venom is a 2018 American superhero film directed by Ruben Fleischer, featuring the Marvel Comics character of the same name.
It is the first film in Sony's Spider-Man Universe (SSU) and stars Tom Hardy as Eddie Brock, who becomes the host for an alien symbiote known as Venom. The film also features Michelle Williams, Riz Ahmed, Scott Haze, and Reid Scott in supporting roles.
The plot follows Eddie Brock, a struggling journalist whose career takes a nosedive after a botched interview with Carlton Drake (Riz Ahmed), the CEO of the Life Foundation. After losing his job and his fiancée Anne Weying (Michelle Williams), Eddie's life spirals downward. Six months later, he discovers that Drake has been conducting unethical experiments with alien symbiotes. In an attempt to expose Drake, Eddie inadvertently becomes bonded with one of these symbiotes, Venom, which grants him superhuman abilities but also poses significant risks.
As Eddie grapples with his new powers and the chaotic influence of Venom, he learns that the symbiote's species plans to invade Earth. The film explores themes of identity and morality as Eddie and Venom navigate their complicated relationship, ultimately deciding to work together to thwart Drake's plans. The climax involves a battle against another symbiote, Riot, which has bonded with Drake.
Venom premiered on October 1, 2018, and was released in theaters on October 5. Despite receiving generally negative reviews from critics—who pointed out issues with its tone and pacing—the film was commercially successful, grossing over $856 million worldwide. Tom Hardy's performance as Eddie Brock and the dynamic between him and Venom were particularly praised.
The film's success led to a sequel titled Venom: Let There Be Carnage, released on October 1, 2021, and a third installment titled Venom: The Last Dance, scheduled for release on October 25, 2024. Overall, Venom stands out for its unique blend of action and dark humor within the superhero genre.