Clayface(2026)

Never thought I'd get a dark and twisted R-rated horror comic book adaptation, much less one co-written by Mike Flanagan. Those credentials dangerously raised my expectations, and it still lived up to them. This is a well-done horror movie. It's not a comic book movie with horror "undertones"; it's a horror movie first, and I respect that. The body horror here does not hold back; no punches are pulled, and they're fueled with pain and hate. There are moments in the movie where it can be difficult to watch. Other times what's on screen is like looking at a horrific accident while in traffic: you can't look away, but maybe you should. And then there are the transformations, which are incredible to watch. They're grotesque and uncanny, which brings a level of atmosphere and authenticity to the body horror at work. A mix of practical effects and CGI makes it all look real, and it's properly disgusting and well done. I'd never seen Tom Rhys Harries before, but he delivers. Matt is a rags-to-riches playboy with rugged good looks, a little self-absorbed, sure, but by no means a sleazy douche nozzle. His erosion as a character after the experiments carries the story as it moves. The supporting cast is solid. Naomi Ackie plays Dr. Caitlyn Corr, the scientist behind the treatment, and her chemistry with Harries works. Max Minghella surprises with the strength of his character as John Borrelli, the detective following the trail of bodies, who also happens to be Caitlyn's fiancé. He plays an idealist cop with morals and integrity, which is sort of a problem when you're up against a tidal wave of systemic corruption in Gotham. Gotham is also where my one real complaint comes in: I wish the film explored more of it as a city. It doesn't lean heavily into showing the rotting despair of the place, but notes of it are there. There are some moody panning shots of Gotham, its smokestack towers ablaze against the depressing grays and blacks of the city, and they're juxtaposed nicely against Coast City (think Hollywood, LA), where Matt spends his time. But Gotham's character comes alive more through the film's portrayal of mass corruption. A miscarriage of justice in the city's legal system leaves Matt penniless, with no choice but to go back to his dilapidated, roach-infested apartment in the Narrows, where his dreams of stardom first began. Those in power brazenly mock the justice system. Gotham is for sale, and those without the means are powerless to stop it. The city's character works hand in hand with the story, which at its most basic level is a revenge tale. It's more gruesome than scary. There are only two jump scares, one of them big, so if you're after frights this isn't the one, but if you want to squirm, it is. If you're squeamish about eyes, know there's a scissors scene going in. And for a DC movie, there's no Batman and no superhero fighting. It's a horror movie that happens to be set in Gotham.