The Stream: Just a typical comic book villain origin story.
The Big Screen: Gruesome and gory visual effects and makeup.
The Final Bill: While infused with entertaining horror elements, Clayface is otherwise a run-of-the-mill villain origin story.
–
Director: James Watkins
Writers: Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini
Stars: Tom Rhys Harries, Naomi Ackie, Eddie Marsan, Max Minghella, David Dencik, Joshua James
Genre: Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller, Comic book
Rating: R for strong bloody violence, gore, language, some nudity and brief drug use.
Runtime: 1 hour 42 minutes
Production Companies: 6th & Idaho Productions, DC Studios, Warner Bros. Studios, British Film Commission, Domain Entertainment, The Safran Company
Platform: In theaters October 23, 2026
Notable Trailers: Focker In-Law, Remain, Wild Horse Nine, The Debut
Welcome back, Streamers! It’s finally Halloween, but there’s no new horror releases this week. All we have last weekend’s horror-infused Batman villain origin story in Clayface. In this movie, Matt Hagen (Tom Rhys Harries) is a pretty-boy, up-and-coming actor who’s recently been nominated for an Academy Award. When Hagen spends the night with a mobster’s girlfriend, he pays the price by his face getting severely disfigured. Hagen takes extreme measures to get justice for his assault and restore his good looks through experimental treatment with Dr. Caitlyn Corr (Naomi Ackie). Goopy face and life hijinks ensue.
Clayface is a pretty entertaining movie. It’s been promoted as the first “horror” movie in the DCU, but it’s not a scary movie. Yes, the filmmakers have really leaned into the body horror aspects of Matt Hagen’s story. The movie does not shy away from the blood and gore of his initial assault as well as all it takes to restore his pretty-boy good looks. You will definitely squirm at every slice of a knife and prick of a needle. The visual effects and makeup used to show the changes in Matt are impressively creepy and help the movie achieve its “horror” movie status, so don’t go in expecting to be scared but more grossed out.
Beyond that, Clayface settles into its basic villain origin story. It is successful in making Hagen an interesting character with a clear motive. While you can tell where the story is going, it is a fun ride with good elements throughout. For instance, the underbelly of Gotham enhances the darkness of the story and vividly portrays the dangers that lurk throughout the city. Naomi Ackie does a great job playing Dr. Caitlyn, and she has understandable chemistry with Matt Hagen. There are some surprising turns amplified by the effects used to make Clayface exhibit his powers, which will keep the audience engaged.
Ultimately, Clayface is an entertaining attempt to bring elements of horror into the comic book movie genre. The visual effects and makeup are gruesome and gory and will make you squirm. When the movie turns more into a villain origin story, things get less interesting but still entertaining enough. Grab a bowl of popcorn for a squirm-inducing matinee.
