The plot of the first Venom film revolves around journalist Eddie Brock, whose life is turned upside down after he uncovers the dark machinations of the Life Foundation. During his research, he comes into contact with an alien symbiote that connects with him and gives him superhuman powers. This symbiote is one of several that the Life Foundation, under the direction of Dr. Carlton Drake, is illegally investigating on Earth.
The symbiote that bonds with Eddie is called Venom. At first, Eddie and Venom struggle with their unfamiliar coexistence and the new abilities Venom gives him. Meanwhile, Dr. Drake attempts to use the other symbiotes for his own sinister plans, including bonding with human hosts to create a new species.
As the story progresses, Eddie and Venom must team up to fight the threat of Dr. Drake and another, stronger symbiote named Riot, who has bonded with Drake. Riot plans to bring more symbiotes to Earth to take over humanity. Eddie and Venom must stop Riot to save the Earth.