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

James Gunn's DC Universe appears to be grappling with a lack of momentum, following the success of Superman and the mixed reception of Supergirl. "Clayface," DC's first proper horror film in the franchise, may fall prey to a similar uncertainty. The 109-minute movie, starring Welsh actor Tom Rhys Harries, has the makings of a B-grade companion piece.

While a smaller, strange genre film like this could have been exactly what the character needed, "Clayface" feels surprisingly cautious. The body-horror story, centered on one of DC Comics' most popular villains, rarely pushes its potential far enough and remains oddly detached from the wider DC superhero universe.

The narrative follows Matt Hagen (Harries), an aspiring actor whose career unravels after a brutal attack disfigures his face. Hoping to regain his appearance and career, Hagen undergoes an experimental procedure developed by Dr. Caitlin Bates (Naomi Ackie). Instead, the treatment transforms him into a shape-shifting creature capable of altering his body into various forms.

Despite Harries' convincing performance and the film's attempt to explore themes of identity and ethics, "Clayface" falls short in fully committing to its potential. The film's pacing is uneven, with moments of gore failing to bring the disturbing intensity the concept demands. While Gotham is portrayed well, with its gritty and dangerous atmosphere, the film struggles to establish Hagen's role within this world or whether he matters beyond this standalone story.

Ultimately, "Clayface" oscillates between a grim body-horror experiment and a comic-book origin story, leaving its identity and place in the DC universe unresolved.