‘Clayface’ Review: DCU Molds Batman Villain’s Origin Story Into Fun, Scary Body Horror

James Watkins’ Clayface brings body horror to the DCU through the transformation of Matt Hagen, a rising Gotham actor who becomes a Batman villain. The film shifts from the franchise’s upbeat superhero style to a suspenseful story of identity, obsession and revenge.

Tom Rhys Harries plays Hagen, whose face is disfigured by mafioso Szabo; he turns to Dr Caitlyn Corr’s nanotechnology to restore it, with terrifying consequences. The review highlights graphic horror, shape-shifting, jump scares and occasional humour, alongside Harries and Naomi Ackie’s chemistry. The film is rated R, runs for 1 hour 48 minutes and is due for release on 23 October 2026.