Venom
Venom (2018) is a superhero action-adventure film based on the Marvel Comics character. The movie introduces Eddie Brock, an investigative journalist who becomes intertwined with an alien symbiote named Venom, gaining extraordinary powers. However, the symbiote also has a mind of its own and a violent appetite, leading to a complex and often humorous relationship between the two. The film follows their struggle against a powerful corporation and another dangerous symbiote, Riot, who seeks to bring more symbiotes to Earth. The movie combines elements of sci-fi, action, and dark comedy, aiming to provide an antihero narrative. The film is rated PG-13, indicating that some material may be inappropriate for children under 13, and is characterized by intense sci-fi violence and language, which parents should consider before allowing younger audiences to view it.
Concerns
Violence
HighThe movie contains frequent, intense, and at times gruesome sci-fi violence, pushing the limits of its PG-13 rating. This includes scenes of alien symbiotes attacking and consuming humans, as well as brutal fight sequences and implied deaths. While direct gore is often minimized to maintain the rating, the nature of the violence can be disturbing.
Symbiotes transform limbs into blade-like weapons, used to stab and maim people, and there are graphic and disturbing scenes of scientists conducting experiments where symbiotes invade human bodies, causing immense pain, suffering, and death. Venom and Riot engage in extensive fighting, involving slamming humans, throwing them against objects, and through glass, with strong implications of symbiotes biting off and eating people's heads, particularly those considered 'bad guys'.
Scary & Intense Content
HighThe film contains highly intense sequences of sci-fi action and visuals that can be frightening or disturbing, particularly for younger viewers. These include grotesque transformations, jump scares, and moments where the symbiotes appear horrifying.
Scenes depicting symbiotes erupting from human bodies and characters growing tendrils to strangle victims are visually startling and disturbing. Moments where Venom is seen bursting out of Eddie Brock's face or when his body is controlled by the monster are alarming, creating psychological unease rather than just relying on bloodshed.
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
MediumThe film "Venom (2018)" does not explicitly feature LGBTQ+ characters or storylines in a manner that is central to the plot or overtly stated by characters. However, discussions within fan communities and media analyses interpret the Venom symbiote itself as embodying queer or non-binary characteristics due to its agender nature, asexual reproduction, and referring to itself as 'we' (plural pronouns). This interpretation is a matter of fan theory and academic analysis rather than explicit canon within the film.
The Venom symbiote consistently refers to itself as 'we,' which some interpretations view as a non-binary or plural pronoun, marking it as gender nonconforming. Additionally, the symbiote is described as agender, reproducing asexually and capable of inhabiting hosts regardless of gender (as seen when it briefly inhabits Anne Weying), which has resonated with non-binary and gender-nonconforming fans.
Romance and Sexual Content
MediumRomantic content is present with implied fornication and couples living together. A notable scene involves a passionate kiss, which also serves a plot purpose for symbiote transference. While there isn't explicit sexual activity, there are some suggestive elements.
Eddie Brock and Anne Weying are depicted as a couple living together, with implied fornication. When Venom separates from Eddie and inhabits Anne, forming a feminine version of Venom, Anne/Venom and Eddie share a passionate kiss which is a means for the symbiote to transfer between them. This kiss is later discussed with some double entendres.
Profanity
MediumThe film contains over two dozen instances of profanity, including one use of the 'f-word' and multiple instances of 's**t' and 'hell'. This level of language is considered moderate to strong and contributes to the PG-13 rating.
There are approximately 31 obscenities, including one 'f' word and several 's' words, along with six strong profanities using 'Jesus' and 'GDs', and nine light profanities. The use of language pushes the boundaries for a PG-13 film, with terms like 'p**sy' and 'd*ck' also noted.
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumThe protagonist, Eddie Brock, exhibits a rebellious streak as an investigative journalist, challenging corporate authority and breaking rules in pursuit of truth. While not overly disrespectful in a personal manner, his actions demonstrate defiance against established systems.
Eddie Brock, as an investigative reporter, defies his boss's orders to conduct a 'puff piece' interview with Carlton Drake. Instead, he confronts Drake with classified documents exposing unethical human trials, leading to his termination. His subsequent actions involve breaking into the Life Foundation to expose Drake's atrocities, a clear act of rebellion against a powerful corporation.
Witchcraft & Occult
LowThe movie "Venom (2018)" does not contain any themes or depictions of witchcraft or occult practices. Its narrative is focused purely on science fiction, alien symbiotes, and corporate villainy, without venturing into magic, rituals, demons, or spells.
The narrative centers on an alien invasion through symbiotes and unethical scientific experimentation by the Life Foundation, led by Carlton Drake, with no elements of magic, sorcery, or occult rituals present. The conflict is driven by the actions of alien life forms and human antagonists, not supernatural forces or mystical practices.
Substance Use
LowBrief instances of alcohol consumption are present in the film. No illegal drug use or smoking is depicted, and substance abuse is not a central theme or plot point.
Alcoholic beverages are seen and consumed a few times by characters. There is no depiction of smoking or drug abuse within the movie.
Anti-Christian Themes
LowThe film does not contain overt anti-Christian themes or mockery. The primary antagonist, Carlton Drake, is characterized as a 'godless radical environmentalist' who expresses a worldview detached from religious faith, but this does not translate into direct criticism or sacrilege against Christianity within the narrative.
The villain Carlton Drake is described as a 'godless radical environmentalist' who states that God has abandoned mankind, reflecting a secular worldview rather than active anti-Christian sentiment. The movie's themes revolve around human ethics violations and the fight between good and evil, without targeting or mocking Christian beliefs or symbols.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
Ages 15+ due to intense sci-fi violence, gruesome imagery, strong language, and disturbing thematic elements. While rated PG-13, the film pushes the boundaries of this rating with its depiction of violence and some scary content, making it potentially unsuitable for younger teenagers. Parental guidance is strongly recommended for those under 15.
Additional Notes
The MPAA rated Venom (2018) PG-13 for 'intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action, and for language.' There were discussions and fan expectations for an R-rating, but Sony aimed for PG-13 to allow for potential crossovers with family-friendly Marvel Cinematic Universe characters. The theatrical cut was reportedly 30-40 minutes shorter than initial cuts, with director Ruben Fleischer and lead actor Tom Hardy acknowledging cut scenes. While the subsequent film, 'Venom: Let There Be Carnage' (2021), also maintained a PG-13 rating, it intensified some elements, with a climactic battle taking place in a church and continued strong action violence and language.
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