The First Horror Movie in the DCU: Our META Movie Review of Clayface

The new DC Film Universe is currently in a difficult situation. Plans that have been changed multiple times, scrapped projects, and, most recently, the disappointing theatrical release of "Supergirl" have significantly increased the pressure on the studio. And now, of all times, they're taking an unusual step with "Clayface": The film is the new DCU's first true horror entry and centers on a character who isn't exactly part of the A-list of Batman villains. Find out whether "Clayface" can win us over and what other critics are saying in our KinoCheck META movie review.

Here's what Clayface is about

"Clayface" tells the story of Matt Hagen, an up-and-coming actor on the verge of his big break. But after a fateful encounter with the mafia, he is severely disfigured, and his career is on the brink of collapse. In his desperation, he turns to biotechnologist Dr. Caitlyn Corr, who gives him new hope with an experimental treatment. But the procedure doesn't go as planned.

A Familiar Story

The reactions after the first screenings were euphoric. The final reviews, however, paint a much more subdued picture. Some critics, in particular, take issue with the storytelling. For Rodrigo Perez of The Playlist, screenwriter Mike Flanagan's story has potential, but it falls short in its execution:

"You can sense Flanagan's more ambitious preoccupations with self-worth and what makes us who we are trying to emerge from the material. There's a rich psychological tragedy here, but the final screenplay and Watkins' direction lack the dramatic sophistication to make much of it."

And we agree: Unfortunately, the screenplay is one of "Clayface's" biggest weaknesses. The story repeatedly falls back on clichés and features dialogue that could just as easily come from an afternoon soap opera. The narrative pace is fast, but this makes the first 30–45 minutes feel incredibly rushed. This repeatedly gives the impression that the filmmakers just want to check off the required plot points of the backstory as quickly as possible so they can finally give fans what they've been waiting for.

Added to this are individual scenes and motifs that evoke memories of "Joker" starring Joaquin Phoenix. The attempt to tell the story of an increasingly broken man as a dark character study seems, at least in places, to have been significantly influenced by Todd Phillips' film. A little more courage and creativity on the narrative level would therefore have done the film a world of good.

Tom Rhys Harries Delivers a Convincing Performance

The cast, on the other hand, is convincing: Tom Rhys Harries does a good job as Matt Hagen and brings out the best in his character. Jim Vejvoda from IGN was particularly impressed by his down-to-earth acting style:

"He never overplays the scenes despite there being opportunities of going big."

What we find particularly noteworthy is that Hagen isn't forced to come across as likable. "Clayface" doesn't even try to sell the character as an antihero. Frank Scheck of The Hollywood Reporter, on the other hand, found the character quite likable:

"He nonetheless remains a likable and sympathetic figure, thanks in large part to Harries' charismatic, engaging screen presence, while the growing friendship/flirtation between Matt and his doctor contributes to the film's emotional impact."

Naomi Ackie is also convincing as Dr. Caitlyn Corr. The duo works really well together, especially in their shared scenes, even if the love story feels a bit contrived.

Body horror as a major strength

"Clayface", however, truly shines in its horror moments. The trailers already hinted that the film wouldn't hold back much when it comes to gore and violence – and that's exactly the case. Broken bones, open wounds, and plenty of blood are all part of the show – so you definitely shouldn't be squeamish.

The practical effects are particularly strong here. The physical transformations feel tangible and unsettling. At times, things get so intense that you might well wonder how "Clayface" managed to get away with an FSK 16 rating. In any case, the comparisons to David Cronenberg's "The Fly" aren't just pulled out of thin air. Greg Alba from the YouTube channel Reel Rejects primarily praises the film's B-movie vibe:

"The movie definitely has like a pulpy b-movie quality that I enjoyed. It's violent. It's entertaining and sometimes gloriously over the top."

Highs and Lows

It remains to be seen whether "Clayface" will ultimately be the big hit that the DCU could really use right now. In any case, we can't fully share the extremely positive reactions following the first test screenings. And the critics' final verdicts are also mixed. Ultimately, "Clayface" is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, there are fantastic practical effects, creative body horror, and some wonderfully gross moments. On the other hand, however, you also get a fairly predictable story with weak dialogue and a narrative pace that could have taken a little more time.

Our Verdict

Anyone hoping for an uncompromising horror film set in the DC Universe – one that differs significantly in tone from its predecessors – is likely to be satisfied. Those expecting a strong and, above all, creative origin story, however, might end up leaving the theater disappointed. We're still curious to see what the future holds for Matt Hagen. "Clayface" opens in German theaters on October 23, 2026.