I don’t make the rules, man.
When I was going into this movie, I had a couple expectations about the pacing, uneven tone and overall lack of characterization. I wasn’t disappointed on that front. It was uneven, it had weird pacing, and there wasn’t enough characterization for me because I love a good character-driven plot.
On the other hand, I had no expectations that this would be a hilariously nuanced romantic comedy, and yet that’s exactly what I got.
That’s definitely not what it was made to be, which is my main complaint. What do I mean by that, you ask? It seemed as though the creators wanted to create an anti-hero story that is at turns dark and funny, and they threw in Michelle Williams’ character as almost a foil to Venom. I don’t think they realized they were doing it, which is sad; if they had been more aware they were creating what was essentially a non-stereotypical romantic horror romp, I think it could have been even more of a masterpiece than it already is.
Not to spoil anything, but while you’re watching it, you’ll probably never buy into what they’re trying to tell you: Eddie and Annie (Michelle Williams) are supposedly in love with one another. You never buy into it because their love story isn’t the main focal point. Eddie and Venom’s love story is what you see unfolding.
Of course, Love, Simon takes first place for best queer rom-com across the board. But the queer monster prize is open for the taking, and I think Venom is currently the top contender. It’s got it all: the meet cute, the dramatic breakup, the fake dating trope and the happy ending. When you go into this movie expecting Captain America: Civil War, you’re going to be disappointed. If you go in expecting a little bit of parody, a dash of The Shape of Water and a ton of symbiote relationship advice, you’re going to be salivating for the sequel.