Clayface (2026) - Spoiler Free Film Review

Film Details

Director: James Watkins

Run Time: 1hr 48

Cast: Tom Rhys Harries, Naomi Ackie, Rob Brydon, Eddie Marsan, Max Minghella, David Dencick

Synopsis

The hopes and dreams of Academy Award nominee Matt Hagen are cut short when he is left horribly disfigured by a Gotham mob boss.

My Review

Clayface marks a monumental shift in the superhero genre, an unapologetic, R rated body horror that shows just how willing DC are to give directors the freedom of tone and genre in their connected universe. It’s dark, it’s gory and it serves as a brilliant origin story to one of Batman’s iconic villains, set within the parameters of a very distinct, standalone story, albeit a film that comes in a rather odd timeline order in terms of the wider DC universe.

Firstly the script does an excellent job at introducing lead character Matt Hagen, within the opening 15 minutes you feel so attached to what seems to be such a genuinely good guy, when one intoxicated mistake flips his life upside down. That likability makes for a truly tragic descent to villainy, which is a credit to the writing. There are numerous occasions in this film that will have you completely squeamish, with the makeup and effects team producing stellar work to bring Matt’s gruesome transformation to life. Meanwhile, the cool transitions illustrate his newfound powers in a way that felt real, authentic and damn right creepy at times too. I am a little torn on the depiction of Gotham, The Batman executed that very distinct atmosphere perfectly and I do feel like it’s a bit of a downgrade here, but it’s without a doubt the second best portrayal of Batman’s playground we have seen in live action, in my opinion.

Ultimately this grotesque wildcard entry so early on in DC has actually turned out to be an incredibly smart investment, earning back its $40m budget on opening weekend and with any luck it will have earned a nomination for best Makeup when it comes to this years academy awards. Definitely recommend seeing it if you can!

My Rating: 8 out of 10

Thanks for reading.

Film Review Club