The second Venom film has hit UK cinemas, and it is much better than its predecessor. Tom Hardy reprises his role as Eddie Brock and the voice of Venom, but this time is joined by Woody Harrelson as the murderous Cletus Cassidy and voice of Carnage.
The film is a much needed improvement over the first Venom, keeping what worked about the first film and improving what didn’t. It leans more into the horror aspect, with the opening having a dark tone that appears again in the scene where the state of California attempts to execute Cassidy.
Eddie Brock and Venom’s relationship remains strong. This is still a highlight of the film, being funny in places, but deadly serious in others. They are a married old couple, quibbling at each other constantly. Eddie and Venom have a falling out in the early part of the film, causing Venom to leave Eddie.
This conflict is natural to their relationship, providing some good internal conflict. Eddie wants Venom to tone down his murderous aspects, whereas Venom wants to be a Lethal Protector.
This leads to a great scene with Venom in a rave, giving a speech about acceptance. Eddie does some soul searching as well, allowing for some slow moments. It also pays off in an amazing way near the end, when the pair realise that no matter their differences, they are symbiotic; whereas Cletus and Carnage are not.
The villain in this Venom, is a strong improvement over the first film. Cletus Cassidy is unhinged and unpredictable, unlike Carlton Drake and therefore, less boring. Woody Harrelson is a perfect fit for this role, and he is brilliant in it. Carnage is brought to life in spectacular fashion. He is visually different from Venom (unlike Riot) and the fight scenes are much better lit, meaning the audience can see what is happening.
He is an agent of pure destruction, and, well, carnage. It is a shame that the rating held the filmmakers back from truly unleashing Carnage, however this doesn’t mean the PG15 iteration is bad. There are two action sequences before the third act showdown demonstrating Carnage’s pure power and they are a joy to watch.
Another Venom Carnage showdown to showcase his power compared to Venom would have been fantastic, but it not being included doesn’t mean it is worse off.
Meanwhile, there are some elements of the film that could have been improved upon. Naomi Harris’s character, Frances Barrinson (aka Shriek) is Cletus’ girlfriend, but doesn’t receive a chance to shine. She is often pushed about by Carnage, and therefore doesn’t get a sequence to properly show up her powers. Her inclusion is just to keep with the comics.
If a character is only included because “it’s what the comics did”, then a filmmaker needs to rethink why they are including that character. The script should have included a bigger plot role. This role is short lived, after killing off the character in a rather unceremonious fashion, removing the potential for further development.
Another element that’s below the mark is Stephen Graham’s American accent, he drops in and out with his natural accent unintentionally. There is speculation that he will return as the Symbiote Toxin, so hopefully there will be improvement for future films. This is Shriek’s lasting impact, so she isn’t completely meaningless.
Overall, the film delivers a crowd pleasing sequel, while setting up parts for a third film. The post credits scene in particular has implications which will be awesome to see on the big screen.
There will be parts of Venom: Let There Be Carnage that will be forgotten, but the film will be well remembered by delivering on its title promise and central villain.
Venom: Let There Be Carnage is available to watch in cinema.
7/10
By Kieran Burt
Feature image: Marvel