Clayface movie review: Tom Rhys Harries delivers a shape-shifting masterpiece

Directed by: James Watkins

Story by: Flanagan

Screenplay by: Mike Flanagan & Hossein Amini

Cast: Tom Rhys Harries as Matt Hagen / Clayface, Naomi Ackie as Dr. Caitlyn Corr, Max Minghella, John Borrelli, Eddie Marsan and David Dencik

Duration: 1 hour and 48 minutes (108 minutes).

Rating: 4.5/5

October is widely regarded as the ultimate season for horror cinema, and this year’s lineup generated massive anticipation. Leading the pre-release hype was Other Mommy, alongside another highly anticipated title, Clayface, directed by James Watkins. Both films entered the month backed by immense buzz and high expectations from horror fans. However, after Other Mommy proved to be a critical and audience disappointment, the tide shifted dramatically. With viewers left unsatisfied, the pressure rose significantly for Clayface. With all eyes and mounting pressure on the Tom Rhys Harries-starrer to deliver the thrills fans were promised and save the spooky season.

Read on to find out if Clayface surpassed those heightened expectations or met the same disappointing fate.

Clayface storyline

In the 2026 DCU body horror film Clayface, aspiring Hollywood actor Matt Hagen (Tom Rhys Harries) suffers a horrific disfigurement at the hands of Gotham’s criminal underworld. Driven by desperation, he submits to an experimental biotech treatment by fringe scientist Dr. Caitlyn Corr (Naomi Ackie). Instead of a cure, the procedure mutates his body into living, shape-shifting clay, shattering his sanity and sparking a brutal quest for vengeance.

Like most modern horror films, Clayface had to overcome a tired landscape of predictable jump scares. To truly stand out, it needed to deliver genuine visceral dread rather than relying on worn-out genre tropes.

Visceral, gross, and  terrifyingly real

From the moment Matt Hagen’s body begins to mutate, the film delivers pure, unadulterated body horror. Nothing about the special effects felt fake or cheap; the transformation looked shockingly real, holding total control over the room.

Tom Rhys Harries turns in an unbelievable performance as Matt Hagen. His physical acting and emotional depth make it feel as though multiple people were occupying the character. He captures both the tragic loss of his human identity and the terrifying drive for vengeance with strong, relatable motivations. Supported brilliantly by Naomi Ackie as Dr Caitlyn Corr, every member of the cast brought their absolute best to the table.

​No cheap jump scares

If Other Mommy taught us anything, it’s that throwing 50 cheap jump scares at the screen doesn't make a movie scary. Clayface completely avoids that trap. Instead of relying on loud noises and sudden flashes, the film builds a heavy, creeping sense of dread that stays with you long after the scenes change.

While the ending didn't come with huge unexpected twists, knowing where the story was headed didn't take away from the experience at all. In fact, the final act felt deeply satisfying and comforting after such a chaotic, intense journey.

​Final verdict

Clayface didn't just meet expectations; it completely restored faith in this year's Halloween horror lineup. With incredible acting, grounded effects, and real psychological tension, it stands out as a genuine triumph for modern horror fans.

Clayface has now been released in theatres.