For decades, The Simpsons has made Halloween a little more special with its annual "Treehouse of Horror" episodes. This year's installment, "Treehouse of Horror XXXV," aired just days after Venom: The Last Dance hit theaters, and it took aim at everyone's favorite symbiotic anti-hero in a segment called "Denim." The result? A parody that's arguably funnier than anything in the actual Venom franchise.
The "Treehouse of Horror" tradition dates back to the show's second season, offering a twisted take on The Twilight Zone and other genre fare. It's a sandbox where the writers can get darker, weirder, and more satirical, and it has become a beloved standalone entity within the series. The latest edition, which aired on November 3, continues that legacy with three short stories: "The Information Rage," where Springfield is terrorized by monsters fueled by political outrage; "The Fall of the House of Monty," in which Mr. Burns is haunted by the ghosts of his mistreated workers; and the finale, "Denim."
In "Denim," Homer Simpson (voiced by Dan Castellaneta) finds himself possessed by a pair of sentient jeans that emerge from a mysterious warp hole. These aren't just any jeans—they're brought to life with stop-motion animation, courtesy of Stoopid Buddy, the studio behind Robot Chicken. The jeans, which speak in a deep, garbled voice and declare "I am DENIM," give Homer a boost of confidence and a devilish alter ego, much like Venom does for Eddie Brock.
The segment is a loving spoof of the Venom films, but it zeroes in on the buddy-comedy dynamic that made those movies unexpectedly endearing. Homer and Denim share a rapport that feels like an old friendship, whether they're hanging out at Moe's Tavern or playing video games. It's a reminder that the best parts of the Venom movies are the interactions between Tom Hardy and the symbiote, not the convoluted plots or CGI-heavy action sequences.
What makes "Denim" so effective is its ability to capture the inherent silliness of Venom while adding a Simpsons twist. The stop-motion jeans are a hilarious visual gag, with expressive eyes and a mouth that bring the character to life in a way that CGI goop never could. It's a fresh take that feels both modern and true to the show's classic aesthetic.
While The Simpsons has had its ups and downs over the years, "Denim" proves that the show can still deliver old-school laughs with a contemporary edge. It's a standout segment that leaves you wishing Denim could have infected more of Springfield. For fans of Venom or just good comedy, this is a must-watch.
If you're in the mood for more spooky fun, check out the scariest movies of the last decade or Stephen King's top supernatural pick now streaming free. And for more on why comedies like this work, see why the best movies know when to lighten up.
