Clayface First Reviews: Tom Rhys Harries Shines in a Messy but Distinctive DC Horror Story
Critics say the body horror and standalone approach give the third DC Universe movie a welcome change of texture, even if it doesn't always deliver.
The comic book adaptation Clayface releases in theaters this weekend, and the first reviews are now online. Tom Rhys Harries stars as the titular character in the film, which is the third theatrical installment of the DC Universe, following Superman and Supergirl. While aiming for a Halloween-timed body horror entry for the franchise, the movie may succeed as a relatively standalone throwback, but its script and effects could disappoint the majority of its audience.
75%
0%
Here’s what critics are saying about Clayface.
Is it a must-see part of the DC Universe?
In nearly every department, Clayface exceeds expectations — all without getting ideas above its spiritual B-movie station. – Guy Lodge, Variety
Clayface emerges as one of the year’s big surprises. – Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter
The film’s complete lack of identity crisis is going to go a very long way with fans. – Amelia Emberwing, Pickety Witch
Clayface does nothing to expand this corner of the DCU…if you lower your expectations enough, then you might just enjoy it. – Josh Wilding, ComicBookMovie.com
What’s there is decent enough. – Courtney Howard, Fresh Fiction
It’s at least stronger than the doldrums of the villain-centered films that Sony Pictures has put out over the years. – Joshua Mbonu, Geek Vibes Nation
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. Yet, divorced from all that, Watkins’ film confounds much more than it compels. – Kate Erbland, IndieWire
Clayface could have been worse, but what’s frustrating is the knowledge that the movie could have been better, too. – Spencer Perry, ComicBook.com
Does it do justice to the title character?
[It’s] a template, like Superman before it, for adapting the comics (and, in this case, Clayface from Batman: The Animated Series) with a sincere dedication to what made audiences fall in love with the characters in their original mediums. – Swara Salih, But Why Tho?
The first (and basically last) scene in which his Clayface-y powers are completely utilized, set in a mob-run nightclub, is a total blast. – Cody Dericks, Awards Watch
The 10 or 15 seconds of “classic Clayface” aren’t really worth the wait. He looks okay, but by trying to make sure Matt’s face is in there somewhere, it’s certainly not the payoff many will have hoped for. – Josh Wilding, ComicBookMovie.com
How does it compare to other DC Studios titles?
Clayface is considerably more interesting all round, in large part because it doesn’t yet feel bound to any superhero property. – Guy Lodge, Variety
Clayface has a more distinct identity than other DC entries across both universes thus far. – Robert Kojder, Flickering Myth
Neither as woefully awful an adaptation as Supergirl nor as insulting to some comic book readers as Lanterns. – Josh Wilding, ComicBookMovie.com
So much of Clayface lacks the visual language of the best of this universe, giving up on atmosphere and never looking like it takes place anywhere but on a backlot. – Brian Tallerico, RogerEbert.com
Will it remind us of any other movies?
The film…is as indebted to cartoonish ‘90s horror outings like Darkman and Thinner as it is to anything in its own direct franchise history. – Guy Lodge, Variety
The circular staircase and dark, rain-slicked back alleys feel like distant homages to Hitchcock and classic noirs. – Courtney Howard, Fresh Fiction
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. – Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter
Clayface mirrors David Cronenberg’s body-horror classic The Fly, right down to a love affair doomed by melting body parts. – Brian Tallerico, RogerEbert.com
With an emphasis on shock and body horror over action, it’s much closer to The Substance than Superman. – Cody Dericks, Awards Watch
It’s Morbius, but slightly better. – Josh Wilding, ComicBookMovie.com
Does it work as a standalone film?
Tonally and stylistically, this nasty, gnarly body-horror movie is its own ugly animal…in the context of a single, genre-melding romp, they’re fresh and ickily enjoyable. – Guy Lodge, Variety
As the latest entry in a genre that’s been dying for some variety, it’s a relief that the film is so atypically small-scale. – Cody Dericks, Awards Watch
There are plenty of references to other DC Comics characters (heroes and villains), but none are mentioned by name in this DC movie. – Karina Adelgaard, Heaven of Horror
It would be easy to overlook some narrative flaws if the film dropped hints about how it fits into the tapestry of everything else around it, but containment means it feels more disposable. – Spencer Perry, ComicBook.com
Who is the movie really for?
It’s a treat for Gotham City fans and horror fans alike. – Swara Salih, But Why Tho?
This is not for anyone squeamish, but if you like practical effects alongside well-made CGI, then you’re in luck with this one. – Karina Adelgaard, Heaven of Horror
[It’s] likely to appeal to only the biggest B-movie horror fans. – Josh Wilding, ComicBookMovie.com
[It’s] unconcerned with pleasing the broadest possible crowd. – Guy Lodge, Variety
I can’t sit here and tell you that Clayface is going to have broad appeal. What I can say is that its refusal to chase that appeal is its greatest triumph. – Amelia Emberwing, Pickety Witch
How are the horror elements?
Abetted by consistently inspired prosthetics work, there’s enough stomach-churning, actually face-melting corporeal silly-putty play here…that will fuel nightmares well into the coming months. – Guy Lodge, Variety
The gore is intense at times, causing many squeamish moments where audiences will want to cover their faces. Clayface is bloody, it’s gruesome, it’s nothing like you’d expect. – Chalice Williams, Black Girl Nerds
This incarnation blessedly doesn’t skimp on the grotesque gore, bloody brutality and bleak undertones. – Courtney Howard, Fresh Fiction
It wants to make you uncomfortable, and it does! There are scenes in here that make even someone like me balk. That is, perhaps, the greatest compliment that I can offer. – Amelia Emberwing, Pickety Witch
The film saves its most gory, darkly innovative moment of violence for the very end of this set piece, letting Matt do something that I’ve truly never seen any character do in any film before. – Cody Dericks, Awards Watch
It’s never particularly scary, more unnerving…but that doesn’t negate the intense bloodshed or visual gnarliness typically kept away from today’s comic book audiences. – Matt Donato, Daily Dead
As a “baby’s first body horror flick,” Clayface should at the very least suffice. – Joshua Mbonu, Geek Vibes Nation
In terms of pure horror, it’s limited; the “body horror,” for example, is so reliant on mediocre visual effects that it rarely hits the mark. – Josh Wilding, ComicBookMovie.com
How is the script?
The script is several notches slicker and slyer than most in this genre lane. – Guy Lodge, Variety
As origin stories go, this is one of the very best. – Karina Adelgaard, Heaven of Horror
From a script perspective, nearly everything here works. – Amelia Emberwing, Pickety Witch
The screenplay…smartly delineates Matt’s devolution, both physically and emotionally, as his growing anger and desire for revenge bring him to the brink of madness. – Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter
The script has strong points, but ultimately feels uneven. – Chris La Vigna, CBR
The dialogue is so atrocious and wooden that it feels almost deliberately bad at times, while the story hits one familiar note after another. – Josh Wilding, ComicBookMovie.com
How is Tom Rhys Harries’ performance as Clayface?
Where Clayface does shine is with Tom Rhys Harries. He’s a brilliant find by DC Studios, and an actor who oozes talent. – Josh Wilding, ComicBookMovie.com
Tom Rhys Harries is terrific in the lead role, cementing his place as the titular character across a complicated emotional spectrum while delivering a physically demanding performance. – Spencer Perry, ComicBook.com
Tom Rhys Harries is amazing in the lead. – Karina Adelgaard, Heaven of Horror
Tom Rhys Harries brings the requisite sandy handsomeness to proceedings, but also an anguished hunger. – Guy Lodge, Variety
Tom Rhys Harries [is] very good at conveying genuine pathos under gobs of makeup and VFX. – Kate Erbland, IndieWire
Harries stands out as a protagonist worth caring about and a villain worth fearing, hopefully to return. – Matt Donato, Daily Dead and VFX. – Kate Erbland, IndieWire
Are there any other standouts among the cast?
Naomi Ackie, the only one expressing remotely compelling inner and ethical conflict. – Robert Kojder, Flickering Myth
Naomi Ackie is sensational. Her dry humor allows the film to breathe a bit throughout its somber and dread-inducing moments. – David Gonzalez, The Cinematic Reel
Ackie’s Dr. Corr is the heart of the film. – Britany Murphy, Muses of Media
An unexpected highlight is Gavin and Stacey star Rob Brydon, who has a memorable couple of scenes. – Josh Wilding, ComicBookMovie.com
What is the movie’s biggest issue?
Gotham City’s lack of personality…Gotham typically functions as a character in its own right. So, it was disappointing to see that aspect missing in the movie. – Britany Murphy, Muses of Media
Clayface‘s biggest crime is that it’s too tame to be a classic horror movie and too bland to be a great DC Comics adaptation. – Josh Wilding, ComicBookMovie.com
Perhaps most baffling, the film ends with a mind-bender that simply isn’t earned, given how dull the prior 90 minutes are. – Robert Kojder, Flickering Myth
Women are depicted pretty abysmally. – Courtney Howard, Fresh Fiction
Will it leave us excited about the future of the DCU?
If we must have a DC Universe, it could use more movies like this one — just not, you know, exactly like it, rebooted into oblivion. – Guy Lodge, Variety
While this film isn’t exactly a game-changer for DC…it feels a little refreshing to see the brand embrace the body horror aspects head-on with such gusto. – Courtney Howard, Fresh Fiction
An uncharacteristically vile and traumatic brand of DC storytelling that sings under the watch of James Gunn…Truly, and I mean this with adoration, Marvel could never. – Matt Donato, Daily Dead
If this is the direction Gunn and Safran are willing to explore with their DCU, then sign me up. – David Gonzalez, The Cinematic Reel
It left me very excited for horror’s future in the DCU. – Amelia Emberwing, Pickety Witch
It’s average, which, so far, is beginning to feel like the best description for the DCU as a whole. – Josh Wilding, ComicBookMovie.com
Hopefully, one day, DC can shape itself into a promising universe, but lately, with each entry, that prospect is fading fast. – Robert Kojder, Flickering Myth
Clayface opens in theaters on October 23, 2026. Get your tickets here.
