Entertainment · Film · 5 hrs ago
Clayface Reviews Praise Its Distinctive Horror Style but Criticize Its Script
Clayface is a DC horror film starring Tom Rhys Harries as the title character.
It is the third theatrical installment of the DC Universe, following Superman and Supergirl.
The film aims to bring body horror to the franchise, with a release timed for Halloween.
Critics have offered mixed reactions, with some calling it a distinctive change from other comic book films.
Others say its script and effects could disappoint, and that it does not make the most of Clayface’s powers.
The film is due in theaters this weekend, giving audiences a chance to decide for themselves.
First reviews of Clayface praise its distinctive body-horror approach but criticize its script and visual style.
Tom Rhys Harries stars as Matt Hagen, the character who becomes Clayface.
The film is the third theatrical installment of the DC Universe, following Superman and Supergirl.
Critics describe it as a relatively standalone horror story, though some say it does not work well as a DC Comics film.
Clayface is scheduled to release in theaters this weekend.
- Who
- Tom Rhys Harries stars as Matt Hagen, who becomes Clayface. Critics including reviewers for Variety and The Independent have assessed the film.
- What
- Clayface is a DC comic book adaptation framed as a body-horror story about the character’s origins.
- When
- First reviews were published on October 21, 2026. The film is due in theaters this weekend.
- Where
- The film is set in Gotham City and revisits Liverpool locations used in Matt Reeves’s Batman.
- Why
- Not stated
Critics praising its distinctive horror style
Critics criticizing its script and DC adaptation
Horror approach
Critics praising its distinctive horror style
The film offers distinctive body horror and practical effects, with a standalone quality.
Critics criticizing its script and DC adaptation
The horror premise is weakened by the script and visual style.
Identity
Critics praising its distinctive horror style
It has a more distinct identity than other DC entries and offers a respite from familiar comic-book films.
Critics criticizing its script and DC adaptation
It does not expand this corner of the DC Universe and works poorly as a DC Comics film.
Execution
Critics praising its distinctive horror style
Tom Rhys Harries’s performance and the film’s horror elements stand out.
Critics criticizing its script and DC adaptation
The film confounds more than it compels, and its script could have been better.
The Independent published its review, describing the film as a great body-horror movie but a poor DC Comics film.
Rotten Tomatoes published a roundup of the first reviews.
Clayface is scheduled to release in theaters.
- Lead actor
- Tom Rhys Harries
- DCU installment
- Third theatrical installment, following Superman and Supergirl
- Director
- James Watkins
- Matt Hagen’s scientist
- Dr Caitlyn Corr, played by Naomi Ackie
- Release
- In theaters this weekend
2 sources
What people are saying
Clayface emerges as one of the year’s big surprises.
It’s certainly different, and for comic book movie fans absolutely bored to death by the same old stuff, it’s something of a respite.
Clayface delivers the sort of psychological depth and emotional resonance that enable it to bear comparisons to the works of such body horror maestros as David Cronenberg and Sam Raimi.
Clayface could have been worse, but what’s frustrating is the knowledge that the movie could have been better, too.