If you thought DC was all superheroes, capes and saving the world, think again. Its latest release, Clayface, takes things in a much darker direction, with plenty of blood, gore and some seriously disturbing scenes (warning if you have a weak stomach, this one isn’t for you).
Starring Tom Rhys Harries as Matt Hagen, Clayface follows a rising Hollywood actor whose life takes a horrific turn after a violent encounter with a Gotham crime boss leaves his face mutilated. Desperate to get his looks and career back, Matt turns to experimental scientist Caitlyn Corr, played by Naomi Ackie, for help.
Her revolutionary treatment seems like the answer to his problems, but things quickly go wrong. And when we say wrong, we mean really wrong. Directed by James Watkins, the film does not hold back when it comes to the horror. There are some genuinely stomach-churning moments, with impressive special effects that make Matt's transformations all the more disturbing. If you're squeamish, you might want to look away a few times.
But there's more to Clayface than blood and guts.
Harries puts in a strong performance as Matt, capturing both the charm that made him a rising star and the desperation that comes with losing everything. His transformation from a confident actor into something far more sinister is one of the film's biggest strengths, and he keeps you invested even as things get increasingly gruesome. Ackie is also a welcome addition as Caitlyn, bringing some much-needed heart to a story that could otherwise become a little too focused on its horror. The relationship between the two gives the film an emotional centre, even when everything around them is falling apart.
The film also explores the pressures of fame and society's obsession with appearance. Matt's determination to get his old face back feels particularly relevant in a world where looks can seem to matter more than anything else. While the film could have explored these ideas in greater depth, there's enough here to give the story some substance beyond its more shocking moments.
One of the best things about Clayface is how different it feels from the usual DC offering. Following the more traditional superhero adventures of Superman and Supergirl, this is a welcome change of pace. It's darker, bloodier and far less interested in giving audiences the usual comic-book spectacle. The story isn't perfect, and there are moments when the characters could have done with a little more development, but it leaves room for spin offs and further character development in the future. Some of the bigger ideas are introduced without being fully explored, but the strong performances and impressive horror effects more than make up for these shortcomings.
Clayface is a gruesome, entertaining and surprisingly moving addition to the DC Universe. It takes a familiar comic-book character and gives him a fresh, frightening story that stands out from the crowd.
If you're a horror fan looking for something a little different, this is well worth a watch. Just don't expect to leave the cinema feeling particularly hungry.
VERDICT: 4.5/5 stars.
