Clayface
review by Bobby Blakey
When DC Studios relaunched, they announced the Elseworlds brands for projects outside of the standard DC Universe of films like Superman and Supergirl. One of the most surprising projects comes from The Woman and Black and Speak No Evil director James Watkins focused on Batman villain Clayface. The film stars Tom Rhys Harries, Naomi Ackie, David Dencik, Max Minghella and Eddie Marsan, as well as Nancy Carroll and Joshua James. Could this film do the classic Batman villain justice, or will it just melt away?
Clayface follows one man’s horrifying descent from rising Hollywood star to revenge-filled monster in a story that explores the loss of one’s identity and humanity, corrosive love, and the dark underbelly of scientific ambition.
Every time they decide to make a film focusing on a villain or some random character it is a big leap and often doesn’t work. With the idea of Clayface leaning in the body horror genre it was an intriguing direction and one that ultimately is perfect for this character. I am not a huge fan of the character, but his visuals alone always stand out as monstrous with a tragic story perfect for this kind of story.
Watkins has crafted a film that leans into the comic lore while bringing horror and offering numerous moments that will no doubt leave some people unnerved and queasy. It takes time to let the story and transformation of Matt Hagen unfold without wasting too much time on useless plot devices. There are a few moments that seem cliché but play out in good ways to fit the narrative of where the ending is heading.
It’s crafted in a way that you don’t need to know anything about the character and in the familiar Gotham City and doesn’t try to force it into a bigger narrative
of the Dc Universe. It is firmly planted there and will likely be used as a platform to make the character return in the Reeves Batman world or the official DCU.
The cast are all great with each of them from the main cast to the supporting players all getting in on the fun thanks to so much of Clayface in action. It takes a while before we get to see any of these moments to build up the tension and emotions of his fear, anger and sadness. When he finally gets to do his thing there are so many great transitions and camera tricks to make it visually engaging. There are some that are just quick changes that I wish had been more transformative, but it works for how they are presenting it.
The kills and chaos go all in with plenty of blood and fun to be had. The effects are well used and look great right up to the proper payoff fans will love and expect. I was surprised how effective this film was and had plenty of moments to make the geek fan happy, but wrapped in a film that anyone can enjoy.
Decide for yourself and check out Clayface in theaters now from DC Studios and Warner Bros.