Rating: A surprising 100% yes from me!

In the run-up to me and my trusty Horror Movie Support Pillow heading to the Odeon Cinema to see Clayface, I’d seen the trailer pop up a handful of times over the preceding months. I was simultaneously intrigued and looking away. That rather delightful scene in the aeroplane loo certainly made me question whether this was going to be one for me! If you know, you really know!!

Now, 2026 has been the year I’ve started embracing my curiosity about horror films. I’m not suddenly claiming to be a seasoned horror enthusiast, but I’m definitely becoming more adventurous with what I watch. And sometimes you’ve just got to say, sod it. Why not?

I’m not exactly someone who enjoys gruesome scenes for the sake of it. Don’t get me wrong, I’m enjoying exploring the genre, but I’m also beginning to realise that there’s a real art to making horror films. I’m sure there’s a whole cinematography and lighting textbook explaining why some films look utterly disgusting, while others don’t quite hit as hard. I hope that makes sense!

Well, Clayface certainly made me squeamish. But bizarrely, I was so invested in the story that I found myself hiding behind my pillow and then peeking over it to see what was happening next.

So, let’s get into it…

What Is Clayface About?

This DC horror film follows Matt Hagen, played by Tom Rhys Harries, a young, gorgeous actor (and he really is!) who is reaching that breakthrough point in his career. He’s appearing on talk shows, rubbing shoulders with the right people and beginning to get a taste of fame. I absolutely loved spotting Rob Brydon, aka Uncle Bryn from Gavin & Stacey, in the film, playing Vic Chissler! He’s honestly one of my favourites.

You can see Matt sitting at that strange tipping point between confidence and cockiness that creeps up on actors. That delicate balance that could swing either way. And things really come to a head when he meets Mia Torrez, played by Joana Ribeiro, in a nightclub. She happens to be the girlfriend of a Mafia boss, Markos Szabo, played by David Dencik.

It’s safe to say the bloke isn’t particularly impressed with their encounter! He and his minions ultimately leave Matt with his face so badly mutilated that there’s practically no coming back from it. And when your face is a huge part of your appeal as an actor…. it’s pretty safe to say Matt crumbles.

From Rising Hollywood Star to Something Much Darker

Enter Dr Caitlyn Corr, played by Naomi Ackie, a scientist experimenting with regeneration. When something isn’t medically approved yet, you know this isn’t gonna go well, or something is going to happen.

Think a little bit like Ariel from The Little Mermaid, sacrificing her voice to gain legs, only to realise that perhaps the deal wasn’t quite as wonderful as she’d imagined. Be careful what you wish for! That’s this in a nutshell.

Once Matt receives those injections, we’re off on a rollercoaster. Side effects, infatuation and an increasingly unhealthy obsession with revenge begin to take over, and the film gradually takes us somewhere much darker.

I won’t lie, I was pretty glued to the screen for the entire thing.

What I found particularly interesting was watching the unravelling of someone who had climbed the ladder from practically nothing, finally reached the heights he’d dreamed of, only to have everything kicked out from underneath him. He truly becomes bitter, and that sparkly, charismatic character we meet at the beginning starts to turn into something much darker.

It’s an interesting look at how much of our identity can be wrapped up in our appearance, our ambitions and how other people perceive us. So a lot deeper than you think this film would be.

Is Clayface Too Gruesome for Horror Beginners?

Now, this is probably where my Horror Movie Support Pillow deserves its own credit in the review!

As I’ve mentioned, there were definitely a few ‘oh my goodness, I cannot watch this’ moments. Between the cutting, needles and some rather unpleasant transformations, my pillow got a fair amount of use. Seriously anything with eyes… absolutely no.

But here’s the thing: I was still invested. I think that’s quite an achievement for a film that had me regularly looking away from the screen. There is something about the storyline that keeps pulling you back in, even when your eyes are telling you otherwise.

It’s also interesting seeing this kind of horror used to explore a character’s downfall, rather than simply relying on gruesome moments to shock the audience.

Clayface’s Special Effects and Gotham Atmosphere

There are some familiar faces dotted throughout the film, including Naomi Ackie, Max Minghella, David Dencik and, of course, Rob Brydon. Max Minghella plays John Borrelli, while Eddie Marsan appears as Frank Fitzpatrick, Matt’s manager.

And in true DC fashion, Gotham provides that classic Batman-style atmosphere. The lighting, the dingy rundown surroundings and the general feeling that absolutely everything is corrupt all help create that wonderfully grim setting.

I also have to mention the special effects. Some of the CGI is fairly obvious, particularly when it comes to the facial transformations, but I actually think they work really well.

There are so many wonderfully icky moments that you almost forget to question how the effects have been achieved. And that’s quite something when you’re sitting there trying not to look at the screen!

Is Clayface Worth Watching at the Cinema?

I’ve got to say, yes. Would I have gone to see it if I hadn’t had my Odeon membership? Maybe not. But having seen it, would I watch it again? Absolutely. 100%. Which proves, you really do need to give things a watch.

It’s not necessarily the sort of film I’d have automatically picked out a year ago, but that’s part of what I’ve enjoyed about exploring horror this year. Sometimes you discover something you wouldn’t ordinarily have given a chance.

Clayface gave me a story I was genuinely invested in, some clever effects, a wonderfully grim Gotham setting and just enough gruesomeness to keep my pillow firmly in position.

My Final Verdict on Clayface

Overall, a classic DC tale of an unexpected good guy turning bad, with a semi-villain origin story thrown into the mix. I went in intrigued but slightly apprehensive, spent a fair amount of time hiding behind my Horror Movie Support Pillow, and came out thinking I’d happily watch it again.

So, if you’re a DC fan, enjoy a darker take on the superhero world or fancy something that sits firmly in the body-horror category, I’d say give this one a go.

Just don’t forget your pillow!!!!! Haha.

Have you watched Clayface? I’d love to know what you thought. And if you’re also a little squeamish when it comes to horror, let me know I’m not the only one watching through my fingers!