*Clayface* marks DC’s foray into "body horror"—a visceral work that more than justifies its R-rating, so you’d best leave the kids at home. This shift in tone from previous installments works in its favor; faced with tighter budgets and a relentless deluge of comic book-based films—which seem to premiere every single week—audiences have, understandably, become more selective.
Matt Hagen (Tom Rhys Harries) embodies the classic antihero who goes from glory to ruin: a handsome movie star whose life takes a tragic turn after a confrontation with a mob boss leaves his face so disfigured that he becomes unrecognizable. With nothing left to lose, Hagen turns to Dr. Caitlyn Corr (Naomi Ackie), whose controversial experimental research might be his only hope for restoring his appearance and reclaiming his former life.
Director: James Watkins
Writers: Mike Flanagan, Hossein Amini
Stars: Tom Rhys Harries, Ruby Sear, Naomi Ackie
Although the initial results of the treatment are promising, the success is short-lived. A near-catastrophic incident on a red carpet is followed by an absolutely repulsive scene aboard an airplane (a fair warning to the squeamish: you might want to cover your eyes during this part). From there, Hagen’s self-destruction accelerates just as quickly as his brief respite from the nightmare of his facial deformity fades away. As those around him begin to die in increasingly twisted ways, Caitlyn’s fiancé—a police officer played by Max Minghella—begins to suspect that Hagen might be responsible.
Tom Rhys Harries, whose career to date has primarily unfolded in British television, is a perfect choice for the lead role; he transitions with complete ease from a charming heartthrob to a tormented villain. Their unconditional commitment to the character manages to mask any awkwardness stemming from somewhat clumsy writing or the jarring shifts in tone during the first act.
Director James Watkins crafts a world that is both terrifying and fascinating, enhanced by a musical selection that, at times, leaves one wanting more. Drawing inspiration from films like *The Substance*—and even echoing elements of *Vanilla Sky*—*Clayface* firmly establishes itself within the body horror genre as it nears its conclusion, proving to be a compelling, if imperfect, addition to the DC universe.
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