Clayface first reactions are leaning into the horror. Early viewers of James Watkins’ DC film are praising its body-horror effects and Tom Rhys Harries’ performance, while at least one response raises doubts about parts of the story.
Clayface first reactions: praise for the horror and lead performance
In reactions collected by Variety, Collider editor-in-chief Steven Weintraub called the film “fantastic” and described an R-rated movie with brutal scenes that surprised his screening audience. He also said viewers do not need prior DC knowledge to enjoy it.
Critic Peter Gray praised Harries’ combination of charm and menace. Brandon Davis called the film “freakishly awesome,” pointing to Watkins’ unsettling version of Gotham and his use of the title character’s abilities.
The response is not unanimous. In The Hollywood Reporter’s roundup, The Movie Podcast’s Shahbaz praised the body horror and Harries’ performance but questioned the story and some choices. That is a reason to treat the early enthusiasm as a first impression, not a settled critical verdict.
What is Clayface about, and when does it open?
Harries plays Matt Hagen, an actor whose career is upended after a crime boss disfigures him. He turns to an experimental treatment, which changes more than his appearance. Naomi Ackie plays scientist Caitlyn Corr; David Dencik, Max Minghella and Eddie Marsan also appear.
Watkins directs from a screenplay by Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini. The film opens in U.S. theaters October 23. In a Collider interview, Harries and Ackie also described a love story at the center of the horror, giving the early effects-focused reactions some added context.
Sources: Variety, The Hollywood Reporter and Collider. Featured image is an editorial cartoon of director James Watkins, not an official film still. See our Editorial Standards.
