An R-rated Clayface horror movie with Mike Flanagan involved? As a lifelong Batman fan and lover of body horror, I couldn’t have been more excited. Unfortunately, CLAYFACE (2026) had all the ingredients to be something special but left me feeling incredibly disappointed.
In this spoiler-free episode of the Movie Files Podcast, I’m reviewing DC Studios’ latest film, directed by James Watkins and starring Tom Rhys Harries and Naomi Ackie.
We’re breaking down the film’s body horror elements, the tragic story of Matt Hagen, the performances, the frustratingly generic screenplay, uneven dialogue, inconsistent tone, and why Gotham City never quite feels like Gotham.
I’ll also discuss Mike Flanagan’s involvement, whether the movie delivers on its R-rated horror premise, and why this fascinating Batman villain deserved a much more distinctive film.
There are flashes of something great here, including some memorable transformations and standout sequences, but unfortunately, the storytelling and lack of emotional depth hold the film back.
Did CLAYFACE live up to your expectations? Did the horror deliver? And do you think the DCU missed an opportunity to do something truly special with this character?
Let me know your thoughts, and if you enjoyed this episode, please follow the Movie Files Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, leave a rating, and share it with your fellow movie fans!
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FILM DETAILS
CLAYFACE (2026)
Directed by: James Watkins
Screenplay by: Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini
Starring: Tom Rhys Harries, Naomi Ackie, David Dencik, Max Minghella, Eddie Marsan, Nancy Carroll, and Joshua James
Studio: DC Studios
Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures
Release Date: October 23, 2026
Runtime: 108 Minutes
Genre: Superhero / Body Horror / Thriller
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