«Clayface» First Reactions Hail DC's Body Horror as "Freakishly Awesome" and "Loaded With Brutal Scenes"

First reactions to DC Comics' body horror film "Clayface" are in, with journalists and fans calling it "incredibly awesome" and "everything you could want from a villain-led film." Clayface is directed by James Watkins, the filmmaker behind "Speak No Evil," from a screenplay by Mike Flanagan, creator of "The Haunting of Hill House," with Tom Rhys Harris in the role of […]

Early reactions to DC Comics' body-horror Clayface are being hailed by journalists and fans as "excellent" and "everything you want from a villain-led movie."

Clayface is directed by "Speak No Evil" filmmaker James Watkins from a script written by "The Haunting of Hill House" creator Mike Flanagan, starring Tom Rhys Harris as the DC Universe character and Batman's rival. Clayface is Matt Hagen, an actor whose face was disfigured by a local mob boss. Desperate, he volunteers as a test subject for scientist Dr. Caitlin Corr (Naomi Aki), who turns his body into clay and causes him to lose his mind. RELATED STORIES Kelly Clarkson Says 'I Love AI' But AI Artists Shouldn't Be On The Music Charts Like Humans Kelly Clarkson vs. Game Art: Footage of singer's visit to Brooklyn novelty store leaked.

Collider editor Steven Weintraub wrote in X: "Clayface" was fantastic. “A fantastic addition to the DCU that requires no DC knowledge to enjoy. R is tough and full of brutal scenes that really blew me away. "The audience freaked out a few times during my show on the screen that was projected on the screen." Popular in Variety

Film critic Peter Gray added that the film "has that comic book flavor" but "doesn't detract from its brutality! "Dark, gritty, with a bit of naivety to offset the ugliness, this is an exciting addition to Gunn's DCU." He added that Harris "brings a boyish charm and quiet menace to the role."

YouTuber Brandon Davis called the film "excellent" and praised Watkins for "creativity with Clayface's abilities". He added that Harris is "a star" and "killing it".

With a story by Flanagan and a screenplay co-written by Flanagan and Hossein Amini, "Cliffies" also stars David Denchik, Max Minghella and Eddie Marsan, and is produced by "Batman" director Matt Reeves alongside James Gunn and Peter Safran. It is set to hit US theaters via Warner Bros. On October 23

Clayface was awesome. A great addition to the DCU that requires no DC knowledge to enjoy. It's a hard R full of brutal scenes that really blew me away. Several times during my show, the audience was horrified by what was being shown on the screen. Strong… pic.

#Clayface has that comic book flavor, but its theatricality doesn't detract from its brutality! Dark, gritty, with a little lightness to offset the ugliness, this is an exciting addition to the DCU Gunn. Tom Rhys Harris brings boyish charm and quiet menace to the role. pic.

"CLAYFACE" is a shocking horror that holds nothing back. It goes all the way with its quirky visuals. Surprisingly, it's also funny. The film goes from depressingly dark to wacky, colorful and absurd. A welcome change of tone that proves the DCU can do it all. pic.

#Clayface is weirdly awesome. Watkins upsets Gotham and gets very creative with Clayface's abilities. Terrible, dark moments and complex ideas in the game. Tom Rhys Harris is a star, literally in the movie and for his performance. Yaro kills, well done to all pic.

Wow, I can finally get this off my chest! "Clayface" is one of the best horror movies of the year! I did not expect that horror and romance are perfectly mixed! Warner Bros. and DC are cooking with this and Mike Flanagan doesn't miss out on his scripts 🔥! Tom Rhys Harris shines in this jacket… pic.

CLAYFACE is incredible! Matt Hagen's tragic story turns into a terrifying sight. There are the odd body horror moments that will throw you off your feet, but what I loved the most is that it's a heartfelt throwback to a bygone era of classic gothic romances. (1/2) pic.

#clayface is everything you want from a film with a villainous lead. No more anti-hero Bs, DC knows that tragic villains can exist. I was rough with Lanterns and Supergirl, so I went into this movie excited, but nervous. This movie reminds you why Batman villains are different. pic.

CLAYFACE - "The Joker" meets "The Material" in Gotham City. DC is going for dark and gory body horror this horror season. It's a bit silly at times but has a lot of sadness. Some scenes were so intense that I could not watch. #clayface #firstreactions pic.