‘Clayface’: DC’s latest horror film struggles to find its identity

James Gunn's DC Universe may be struggling to establish a distinct identity, according to critics. Following the success of "Superman" last year, anticipation was high for new DCU projects featuring lesser-known characters and stories. However, "Clayface," touted as the DCU's first genuine foray into horror, appears to be faltering. Starring Welsh actor Tom Rhys Harries as Matt Hagen, the 109-minute film struggles to find its footing, often feeling more like a B-grade companion piece than a major DC release.

The narrative follows Hagen, an aspiring actor whose career is derailed by a violent attack that disfigures his face. Hagen then seeks a solution to restore his appearance, leading him to an experimental procedure developed by Dr. Caitlin Bates (played by Naomi Ackie). Unfortunately, the treatment instead transforms Hagen into a shape-shifting creature capable of molding his body into various forms.

While Harries delivers a convincing performance, the film's emotional weight is unevenly distributed. Unfortunately, Dr. Bates, who plays a pivotal role in Hagen's transformation, feels underdeveloped and underexplored. Moreover, the film's script hints at intriguing themes such as scientific ethics, ambition, and vanity, but these ideas are presented more than developed, leaving the characters' actions feeling less compelling.

The pacing of "Clayface" is also a concern, as it frequently meanders and lacks the urgency needed to sustain tension. Despite this, there are moments of gore and a recognition of Gotham's grim, dangerous atmosphere. However, the film's inability to fully commit to either a grim body-horror experiment or a traditional comic-book origin story leaves it suspended between two identities.

Ultimately, "Clayface" aims to disturb, move, and intrigue, but it leaves its horror ambitions and place within the DC universe frustratingly unresolved.