Movie Review: Clayface - Celebrity Skinned

So I think we can agree a "Clayface" movie is an odd choice, especially for the third film in James Gunn's DCU. It definitely feels likes what Sony had been doing with their Spider-Man spin-offs rather than part of the larger universe plans put forth by who would be considered DC's Kevin Feige. Much like "Lanterns" though, it's a DCU project that ends up delivering.

Heavily inspired by the character's appearances in "Batman: The Animated Series", what sets "Clayface" apart from other supervillain movies is that it's an actual VILLAIN origin story. Disfigured by the mob, actor Matt Hagen undergoes an experimental procedure to repair his face that has unforeseen side effects, warping his mind as well as the rest of his body as he seeks vengeance against those who wrecked his life. While movies like "Venom" and "Morbius" stuck to the anti-hero route, "Clayface" does show Matt go after bad people for his own reasons before his selfish desires spill over into innocent people, hence keeping the character villainous. It's also focused solely on Clayface, so while some may go in expecting a surprise debut of the DCU's version of Batman, there's not even a reference to the Dark Knight like how Sony would always tease Spider-Man in their non-Spider-Man films with no payoff.

That's not to say our main character isn't sympathetic. Tom Rhys Harries leads the tragedy of Matt Hagen, from his fall from stardom to his intended comeback threatened by his unresolved trauma. At each stage of Matt's journey, Harries delivers a believable performance during the character's highs and lows and his expressed desires. His story reminds me of a mix of "Doctor Strange" and the 1986 version of "The Fly". You have one person trying whatever it takes to reclaim his passion and a scientist (in this film being Naomi Ackle as Caitlyn Corr) with noble intentions that lead to overwhelming results before horrific unintended consequences.

Speaking of "The Fly", the film leans heavily on body horror, which obviously works for a character like Clayface. As he learns to keep himself composed, Matt's powers evolve gradually over the course of the film, from shapeshifting into other people to forming weapons. It leads to some surreal moments and some inventive kills. With the film's lower budget, they had to get creative in how to present his abilities and I think they did a decent job. They save the CGI for the important moments while camera tricks are used for about half the shapeshifting parts.

Overall, if you're looking for a new tale of terror this Halloween season, "Clayface" is a worthwhile watch for comic and horror fans alike.