New comic-book-based film ‘Clayface’ inspires horror, leaves audiences stunned
DC’s newest film, “Clayface” brings much intrigue in large part because it does not feel bound to the typical superhero formula.
From the trailers, the movie promised a far more horrific story than DC has made before, taking away the spandex in favor of scares. But does this ring true? Does “Clayface” succeed in its innovative horror movie approach?
Directed by James Watkins (“Speak No Evil”) and written by Mike Flanagan (“The Haunting Of Hill House”) and Hossein Amini (“Drive”), the film follows Matt Hagen (Tom Rhys Harries, “The Gentlemen”) an up-and-coming actor who finds himself disfigured after an altercation. Desperate to restore his appearance, Hagen turns to using experimental technology pioneered by Dr. Caitlyn Corr (Naomi Ackie, “Mickey 17”). When the treatment goes awry, Hagen becomes an indestructible and shape-shifting vindicator seeking revenge on those who wronged him.
While R-rated, “Clayface” is not the first mature comic book movie, nor is it the first anti-hero/villain movie either. But unlike those movies which feature a glimmer of heroism and hope, this movie follows neither. “Clayface” is a horror movie through and through. The tone and style support this greatly as it channels similar body-horror related films like “The Fly” and “The Thing.” There are plenty of unsettling, grotesque, and brutal scenes showing off why “Clayface” earned its R-rating.
Another aspect the movie has going for it involves the ability of viewers to go into it without needing any prior information. Nowadays superhero blockbusters feel the need to connect everything and offer cameos to keep the audience entertained rather than telling a fulfilling story. “Clayface” functions as a self-contained smaller tale about a man losing himself as he sinks deeper into pride and revenge. Anyone can walk into “Clayface” and have a good time, as long as they are not too squeamish.
The acting as well elevates the entire movie. Harries and Ackie do a phenomenal job at bringing their characters to life, not only through dialogue but quieter and introspective moments too. This does not mean the film is without any flaws of course, as there are a few inconsistencies through its run. The movie has an odd pace where at times it moves fast, especially at the start. This disrupts the flow of the movie, and leaves some moments needing more time to be explored. And while Hagen, Corr and the supporting characters work, they could have been developed more. At times it felt the story would work better as a mini-series, akin to another DC property following an adversary of Batman, “The Penguin.” The 2024 show fleshed out characters, expanded Gotham and let viewers see what makes the characters tick. That is not to discredit “Clayface,” every story has a method to their madness; but there were certainly moments where the film could have taken more opportunities when it comes to its narrative.
So did “Clayface” succeed in its horror-based mission? Absolutely, due in part to the subject matter, the scares and the degradation of Matt Hagen. While there are some hiccups, they do not break the movie’s enjoyability. If you are looking for something weird to watch, and you want to bring your friends along for the ride, then check out “Clayface.”