DCU’s ‘Clayface’ Review: A Gripping Body Horror Tale from Gotham

‘Clayface‘ marks the third installment in James Gunn’s DC Universe, following ‘Superman’ and ‘Supergirl’, and it presents a stark contrast to both. Instead of the usual capes and bright skies, director James Watkins delivers an R-rated body horror narrative centered on one of Batman’s most notorious adversaries. I entered the theater curious to see if a Gotham villain could sustain a chilling story without the presence of the Dark Knight.

The plot revolves around Matt Hagen, a street kid from Gotham who rises to fame as a Hollywood star. However, an affair with a crime boss’s girlfriend leads to a brutal act of revenge that leaves him severely disfigured. In a desperate bid to reclaim his former life, he turns to scientist Caitlyn Corr, portrayed by Naomi Ackie. Her experimental serum, intended to restore his appearance, instead transforms him into a creature of living clay. This setup is efficiently executed and unfolds over a tight 108 minutes.

The film excels in its body horror elements, which are executed masterfully. Watkins, known for ‘Eden Lake’ and ‘Speak No Evil’, employs a mix of practical effects and CGI, with an early facial surgery scene that will have viewers gripping their armrests. This is genuinely unsettling filmmaking at its finest, earning every bit of its R rating for graphic violence and gore.

Tom Rhys Harries is pivotal in making the horror resonate on an emotional level, not just a physical one. He portrays Matt as initially charming yet slightly vain, gradually revealing a hollow and dangerous persona as the clay takes over. Ackie provides a grounded counterbalance to the mad science aspect, while the supporting cast, including Eddie Marsan, Max Minghella, and David Dencik, enriches the narrative.

However, the film is not without its flaws. The initial pacing is sluggish, and it takes time for the story to find its rhythm. Additionally, the dialogue can feel overly pulpy, and the tonal shifts between sincere tragedy and B-movie fun don’t always land effectively.

Gotham itself feels underdeveloped, serving more as a backdrop than a vibrant city. The film’s final scene appears hastily assembled, lacking the emotional impact it aims for. These missteps prevent it from achieving classic status.

Nevertheless, once the film embraces its gooey, absurd nature in the final act, it becomes genuinely enjoyable. Viewers won’t need any comic book knowledge to follow the plot, making it a unique entry that stands on its own. It also demonstrates that this universe can accommodate a gritty genre experiment.

Watch the first trailer for #Clayface. The new DC horror film is in theaters October 23. https://t.co/gqrrtJSou5

— Rotten Tomatoes 🍅 (@RottenTomatoes) April 22, 2026

I walked away from ‘Clayface’ more impressed than I anticipated. Its grotesque and inventive body horror, coupled with Harries’ committed performance, makes for a compelling experience, even if the pacing and tonal inconsistencies slightly detract from it. My final score is 8 out of 10.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!