Al2

        The script of Venom is structured in 3 acts and an epilogue:


        1st The life of Eddie Brock Pre Life Foundation vs. The arrival of the Symbionts to Earth.


        ▸ Breakpoint: Dismissal and breakup of engagement with Anne.
        ▸ Consequence: Unemployment, bankruptcy and isolation.


        2nd The symbiosis between Eddie and Venom (NonCon) vs. Failed Experiences of Life'Foundation


        ▸ Breakpoint: Separation
        ▸ Consequence: Capture of Eddie by the Life Foundation.


        3rd The fight against Riot/Carlton Drake.


        - Mini Act: Symbiosis (DubCon)


        Eddie agrees to symbiosis as a way to fight Carlton Drake/Riot and thwart his plans, but only after the fact itself.


        ▸ Breakpoint: Separation
        ▸ Consequence: Venom’s nearly death


        - Mini Act: Symbiosis, Eddie's initiative, to save the life of Venom (Con)


        ▸ Breakpoint: Separation
        ▸ Consequence: Eddie's nearly death


        - Mini Act: Symbiosis, Venom’s initiative, to save Eddie's life (DubCon)


        Eddie had previously agreed to the symbiosis and was forcibly separated from Venom, but he is unconscious at the time, so consent is dubious.


        ▸ Breakpoint: Death of Riot/Carlton Drake
        ▸ Consequence: Venom’s nearly death


        Epilogue: The Life of Eddie Brock Post Life Foundation vs Life Foundation After Scandal


        There is a significant hiatus here, which leaves open questions such as: the repercussion of public knowledge on the secret experiments of the Life Foundation, Eddie's health, the return of Venom and the decision to maintain the bond/symbiosis, all occurring off-screen.


        ▸ Breakpoint: Symbiosis with Venom (Con)
        ▸ Consequence: Restoring relationships (Anne and Mrs. Chen) and new job prospects.


        Thus, the Venom script has a clear structure, but the success level of each of the acts is variable, which affects the quality of the ensemble. The first act is the one that suffers the most, because it was very poorly written, assembled and acted, so that it seems disposable in comparison to the others. Another problematic point of the script is the character of Riot, who is not properly presented to the audience, despite some brief scenes during the first and second acts that, however, fail in offer some definition for the character, he is a jumper and has a heap of weapons, so what? His knowledge, intelligence, adaptability, or goal/plan, all relevant to the plot, are not explained or adequately addressed.


        The quality of the montage is also variable, which impacts the rhythm of the movie, especially in the 1st act. A non-chronological montage, with the integration of the 1st and the beginning of the 2nd, as a more succinct introduction, would give more time for the development and conclusion of the story and would make the montage much more interesting.


        The choice and performance of the cast is another problem of the movie. Riz Ahmed, as the antagonist Carlton Drake, performs quite irregularly throughout the film, sometimes you can not really take it seriously, problem that is related to the script and the direction of actors; Jenny Slate as Dr. Dora Skirth also has her performance compromised due to the script, which does not adequately work the character's moral dilemma. Reid Scott as Dan Lewis is absolutely forgettable, not because it is a supporting actor, because Peggy Lu as Mrs. Chen manages to be remarkable with only two scenes throughout the film, Reid Scott has no presence of scene, his acting is without charisma, and he seems extremely generic, especially in contrast to Tom Hardy. Michelle Williams as Anne Weying is a mirror, with the addition of having romantic chemistry null with both Scott and Hardy, in the latter case, another serious problem of the 1st act.


        Thus, Venom seems messy — and dragged in the first third of movie — because of the editing/montage, besides superficial due to the script and some poor performances, but it has an interesting premise and protagonist, as well as some good moments, which makes it a medium movie. The success of the franchise will depend on the focus on the relationship between Eddie and Venom, as well as the development of Venom's character, besides the exploration of interesting plots that Eddie's profession as an investigative journalist makes possible.


        In summary: Good idea, mediocre execution, great potential for the future.


        RATING: 5/10 or 2 ½ / 5 stars, but the shipper in me give 6/10 or 3/5 stars.