Gotham City has always been a breeding ground for nightmares, and DC's latest big-screen villain is leaning hard into that legacy. Clayface, directed by James Watkins (Eden Lake, Speak No Evil) from a script by Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini, is already generating serious buzz after its first screenings. Early reactions are painting a picture of a brutal, R-rated body horror that doesn't hold back—and fans are here for it.
The film stars Tom Rhys Harries as Matt Hagen, the man who becomes the shape-shifting monster. With a release date set for October 23, 2026, just in time for Halloween, the movie is positioning itself as a horror event rather than a typical superhero romp. And if the first social media responses are any indication, it's delivering exactly that.
Early Reactions: 'Freakishly Awesome' and Unforgiving
Collider's Steven Weintraub called the film “fantastic,” noting that audiences “freaked out a few times” during his screening. He also highlighted how accessible the movie is for newcomers, meaning you don't need to be a DC expert to enjoy the terror. That's a smart move for a studio hoping to attract horror fans who might otherwise skip a comic-book adaptation.
Brandon Davis described Clayface as “freakishly awesome,” praising Watkins' unsettling vision of Gotham and the inventive use of Hagen's powers. The performance of Tom Rhys Harries is emerging as a consistent highlight, with multiple critics singling him out for balancing charm with menace. Peter Gray echoed that sentiment, noting the actor's ability to keep the audience on edge while the film's dark, violent tone unfolds.
More Than Just Gore: A Tragic Heart
While the blood and guts are getting plenty of attention, some viewers are finding unexpected depth. Chris Killian called the movie “a wildly gory spectacle” but also praised its connection to classic gothic romance. Chalice went even further, declaring it “one of the best horrors of the year” and emphasizing the blend of horror and romance. That combination suggests Clayface might offer more than just a showcase for grotesque transformations—it could be a tragedy wrapped in a nightmare.
For those craving a more traditional monster movie, Bill Bria compared the film to The Fly and Darkman, both of which center on tragic figures transformed by science gone wrong. Bria also noted that Clayface works as a standalone story, with its place in the larger DC Universe feeling secondary. That's a relief for viewers who want a self-contained horror experience without needing to catch up on years of lore.
Not All Praise Is Unqualified
Of course, not every reaction is glowing. Shahbaz of The Movie Podcast praised the body horror and Harries' performance but took issue with certain story elements and creative choices. These are still early impressions, and the full critical consensus won't arrive until closer to release. But the overwhelming takeaway so far is that Clayface fully commits to its R-rated premise, which is exactly what horror fans have been hoping for.
If you're excited about this one, you might also want to check out our interview with the cast about the film's risks. And for more horror recommendations, Demeter's final voyage is now streaming on Peacock, or you can revisit Demi Moore's The Substance which has been climbing Netflix charts this Halloween.
Clayface hits theaters on October 23, 2026. Until then, keep your expectations high—and maybe keep the lights on.
