First Reactions Praise New DC Clayface Film

14 Oct at 19:09 Comment Views: 1

Since it was first announced, DC‘s Clayface faced skepticism. The horror film focuses on one of Batman’s villains without the Caped Crusader present. That setup brings to mind Sony’s Spider-Man villain movies, which are campy at best and absolutely unwatchable at worst. Clayface opens in theaters on Oct. 23, and early reactions from influencers and journalists show whether it delivers.

Clayface appears to be a massive success. Reactions are overwhelmingly glowing. Directed by James Watkins from a script by Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini, the movie functions as an entry to James Gunn’s DC Universe and a strong horror film. YouTuber Brandon Davis called the film “freakishly awesome,” praising lead actor Tom Rhys Harries. Peter Gray of The AU Review praised Harries, stating he “brings equal boyish charm and quiet menace to the role.”

#Clayface is freakishly awesome. Watkins makes an unsettling Gotham and gets very creative with Clayface’s abilities. Gruesome, dark moments and twisted ideas at play. Tom Rhys Harries is a star, literally in the movie and for his performance. Dude kills it. Well done by all. pic.twitter.com/nkKXaDLzFH

Initial worries that a lack of Batman would hurt the film have faded. Critic Edward Douglas wrote that the movie “does a good job of separating itself as a horror movie that doesn’t require knowing anything beforehand.” While some fans enjoy the interconnected nature of the DC Universe, stepping away from that formula worked well for Clayface.

The film contains several grotesque moments. Chris Killian wrote that the movie will “make you squirm, but what I loved most is it’s also a heartfelt throwback to a bygone era of classic gothic romance films.” Negative reviews are virtually nonexistent, as overall reactions remain positive.

Clayface was fantastic. An awesome addition to the DCU that doesn’t require any knowledge of DC to enjoy. It’s a hard R and loaded with brutal scenes that really surprised me. Audience freaked out a few times during my screening to what was being depicted on screen. Strong… pic.twitter.com/FcSmdPWZ0N

Will we ever see Batman in James Gunn’s DC Universe?

Even with positive reviews for Clayface, questions remain about Batman’s whereabouts in the DCU. The absence of the hero has remained a frequent discussion topic since James Gunn took over DC Studios. Robert Pattinson will reprise his role as Bruce Wayne in Matt Reeves’ The Batman Part 2, but that project sits outside DCU canon. Furthermore, production is currently halted.

Gunn plans to introduce his version of Batman in The Brave and the Bold, which is in early development. Fans likely have years to wait before seeing that iteration on screen. Batman might appear in another project beforehand, though no such plans have been confirmed. When Batman finally enters the DCU, audiences will hopefully see him face off against Clayface.

Clayface opens in theaters on Oct. 23.