Jakarta, ThedailyID — DC’s Clayface has received positive early reviews from critics, who praise its brutal body horror, disturbing visuals and tragic central character. The film blends horror with elements of romance, offering a darker take on the DC Universe.
The movie was scheduled to hit theaters on October 21, 2026. It marks the third theatrical release in the new DC Universe led by James Gunn and Peter Safran.
In a roundup published on October 14, Variety highlighted several critics’ reactions. Peter Gray praised the film’s brutality despite its comic-book elements and highlighted Tom Rhys Harries’ performance as the lead character.
“Clayface has a comic-book feel, but its theatricality does not diminish its brutality! Dark, violent, with a little humor to balance out its horrifying side,” Gray wrote.
He added that the film was an interesting addition to Gunn’s DC Universe. Gray also praised Harries for combining childlike charm with a quiet sense of menace.
Unlike conventional superhero films, Clayface explores the origin story of Matt Hagen, a Hollywood actor who transforms into a horrifying figure after undergoing experimental treatment. In DC comics, Clayface is one of Batman’s enemies in Gotham City, known for his ability to change his face and body.
Critic Brandon Davis also praised director James Watkins for exploring Clayface’s abilities in creative and unsettling ways.
“Clayface is so cool. Watkins creates an unsettling Gotham and explores Clayface’s abilities in highly creative ways,” Davis wrote. He described the film as dark, disturbing and full of unusual ideas.
Davis also called Harries a standout, praising both his portrayal of the character and his performance.
HeyChalice went further, calling Clayface one of the best horror films of the year. The reviewer praised its unexpected combination of horror and romance, while also highlighting Harries’ performance in the dark origin story.
The film also drew praise for presenting a tragic villain rather than turning the character into a conventional antihero. Reviewer ConorVille08 described Clayface as delivering what audiences might want from a villain-focused film, arguing that DC understands the appeal of tragic antagonists.
Chris Killian praised the film’s use of Matt Hagen’s tragic past to create intense body horror. He also highlighted its emotional tribute to classic Gothic romance films.
“Clayface is incredible! It turns Matt Hagen’s tragic past into a wild, blood-soaked spectacle,” Killian wrote. He added that the film features unusual body-horror sequences that could make audiences shudder.
MovieZine compared the film to a blend of Joker and The Substance set in Gotham City. The outlet described it as a dark, tragic body-horror story with moments of absurdity and graphic violence.
DCU Brief also praised the film’s willingness to embrace disturbing imagery. The reviewer noted that its tone shifts from bleak horror to something more colorful and absurd, offering a different experience within the DC Universe.
Across the early reactions, critics repeatedly highlighted Harries’ performance, Watkins’ direction and the film’s mix of graphic horror and tragic storytelling. Their reviews suggest that Clayface takes a different approach to the Batman villain by focusing on the disturbing transformation of a man rather than a conventional superhero conflict.
