What if DC stopped playing it safe and finally gave us a proper monster movie? Clayface is their answer!
Synopsis
Clayface takes a bold step back into the dark, murky alleyways of Gotham. We follow Matt Hagen, an actor desperate for his big break, who suffers a grotesque twist of fate. Instead of hollywood glamour, he gets dragged straight into a horrific nightmare.
Cast & Performances
Tom Rhys Harries is absolutely fantastic here as Matt Hagen. He delivers a masterclass in showing raw dread and pure frustration as his body deforms. Furthermore, he brings genuine humanity to the role because you constantly feel his pain while his physical form changes.
Naomi Ackie is also a treat putting in a good performance but we dont expect less from her now.
However, the surrounding villains feel completely one-dimensional. Honestly, you can just feel they were created to be entirely disposable, offering very little depth.
Production & Craft
Visually, the budget sits at forty million, and I must say that is money well spent. Naturally, the CGI is decent, it is not the absolute greatest, but it certainly works.
The cinematography is particularly interesting because the scenes inside his apartment are atmospheric and full of character. Unfortunately, the rest of the film looks just okay.
On the flip side, the decision to make his transformations instant instead of a long sequence really worked. It heightens the shock factor for you as a viewer.
Sound-wise, the musical score hits every beat during the wild club scene. In fact, that specific sequence becomes an immediate standout, topped off with a humorous dance that will definitely become a meme favourite.
The other scene involves Hagen sleeping and its genuinely enticing but also horrific.
The Review
At its core, Clayface is a film about identity. It shows how a man can have it all, lose it all, and completely change his definition of purpose.
First, his sole pursuit is fame and glory. Then, he comes to realise all he truly wants is her.
Thankfully, the film delivers plenty of body horror, and the practical effects are done brilliant. It will leave you deeply uncomfortable and squirming in your seat.
Crucially, I loved that this was not another watered-down anti-hero flick. The overall character development is a smooth transition, moving you from feeling remorse for Hagen to genuinely disliking him.
In essence, it is a revenge story starring a full-blown villain. It acts as a double-edged sword, confirming that while he is not a nice person, he still deserved his payback.
Besides, the kills are all wildly creative, and only one kill happens off-screen. Ultimately, the twisted ending feels incredibly satisfying, settling nicely into that dark DC staple we know and love. Even the decision to change his origin story works, rooting the narrative directly to the main villain.
This is by far the best piece of content that has come out of the DCU since James Gunn’s run… and long may it continue.
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