Clayface (2026), A Dark DC Body Horror | Film Review
Dir. James Watkins
Screenplay: Mike Flanagan, Hossein Amini
Matt Hagen, Gotham street kid turned Hollywood leading man is attacked by a local crime boss leaving him horribly disfigured.
He soon seeks out a cutting-edge treatment that miraculously heals him but in return transforms him forever.
As someone who knows this character and his potential, this is the film he deserves. Clayface is a gory, grotesque body horror that dissects the concept of beauty standards and perception.
Makes me excited for the future of the DCU
DC have always had the most complex villains and we are slowly getting more and more dark realisations of their backstories. Clayface genuinely makes me excited for the future of the DCU and the potential of these films when done correctly, Clayface was always meant to be a body horror and they brought the gross aspects whilst maintaining an entertaining romance, comedy and origin story.
Clayface explores beauty standards in a way only body horror can. The practical and special effects were masterful and I was engrossed in the chaos and grime of the plot. Clayface is a reminder of how compelling DC super villains are, if written correctly and when Mike Flanagan’s name is attached you know the script is going to be gold.
Tom Rhys Harries Melts into Character
Tom Rhys Harries has star presence on screen, he oozes charm which is exactly what we need from his character. He is complex, he is broken, he is vengeful but also incredible likeable. Harries was able to bring a compelling and believable performance to a man who is utterly fantastical and he melts away into the performance.
Supported by Naomi Ackie, who in my opinion is one of the most naturalistic actors working today. She is effortless on screen and was able to be subtle in her reactions and distinctly memorable surrounded by larger than life characters. Max Minghella is another actor who is easy to watch, he always delivers on screen and he was able to add a tether to reality in his small screen time.
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Overall, Clayface had me hooked.
I couldn’t look away from the screen, I was infatuated by the characters, engrossed in the action and gore and immersed by the city of Gotham.
Was it as gory as I personally would have liked? No... but I do believe this will be just gross enough for your general audience. I wanted more but what we got still excited me and I can’t wait to see what we get from the DCU next, I need more dark stories, more unapologetically disturbing films please.
Probe Points
★★★★
Go see Clayface in cinemas from October 23rd!!
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