CLAYFACE Divides Critics as New Reactions Call It a "Total Misfire," a "Goopy Mess," and Compare it to MORBIUS

DC Studios' Clayface is getting another round of social media reactions following its latest press screenings, and the response isn't nearly as enthusiastic as it was last week. While some critics are enjoying the gruesome body horror and strong performances, others are calling the DCU movie a disappointment, with one describing it as a "goopy mess."

The biggest complaints seem to involve the screenplay, awkward dialogue, uneven tone, and a story that doesn't fully deliver on its horror potential. A few reactions even compare the movie to Sony's Morbius, which probably isn't the kind of company DC Studios was hoping to keep.

Still, there's plenty of praise for Tom Rhys Harries as Matt Hagen, along with Naomi Ackie and the film's practical makeup effects. Critics also appreciate that the movie allows Clayface to be an actual villain rather than trying to turn him into another misunderstood antihero.

The latest reactions paint a pretty interesting picture of a movie that has some great ideas and nasty effects, but doesn't always know what to do with them.

Lewis (Taylor’s Version) was particularly disappointed, writing: “Struggling to see the vision of #ClayfaceMovie even less having seen it. It truly wears its inspirations on its sleeve, but ends up falling short of most (the cinematography is excellent) of its aims. Stumbling into sharing the same void as Venom, Morbius, etc. A total misfire”

Nikkipedia also found the film lacking, although the revenge storyline apparently helps things pick up: “Thought Clayface was underwhelming. Comes alive once the revenge aspect kicks in, though thought at the beginning it was going to be Surf Dracula the Movie Can only imagine it’s an 18 due to one of the k!lls - fairly tame otherwise”

TerrelleGraham had similar concerns about the horror elements, feeling that the movie doesn't capture the unsettling atmosphere promised by its teaser trailer:

“#ClayfaceMovie is a good film but it could’ve been much better. It left me feeling disappointed for two key reasons. Tonally it doesn’t feel like a horror film and certainly not in the way I would’ve preferred. It lacks atmosphere and seems hesitant to fully commit to becoming one.

“The film doesn’t match the tone of the excellent teaser trailer. Stylistically it lacks a clear artistic vision and visual style. Some of the scenes (especially in daylight) look generic and there’s too many CGI environments / backgrounds. A film like this would’ve benefitted greatly from a distinct visual style, and the influence of an auteur horror filmmaker in the director’s chair.

“Tom Rhys Harries does a superb job embodying the character and Naomi Ackie is great too. Clayface has some good scenes in isolation, but strangely the body horror and how it’s depicted felt too limited for an 18 rated film.”

Heavy Spoilers offered one of the more interesting reactions, calling it their favorite DCU film so far while acknowledging some major shortcomings:

“Just seen #Clayface could’ve been great but a weak villain with some Sony level dialogue and a bit of a by the numbers revenge plot hold it back. I don’t think it’s gonna be in the same conversation as Joker and Penguin but it’s easily my favourite DCU film so far.

“Tom Rhys Harries is excellent in it too and they have some outstanding makeup effects throughout. However, outside of him and Naomi Ackie there’s nothing here acting wise beyond what you’d get in a typical horror. The side characters were just lacking to me and it made me realise how much Thomas Wayne and Penny boosted up Joker.

“Plot wise I don’t think it reaches the heights of stuff like The Fly (which it cribs a lot from) but it’s held up by some great body horror and a really good lead performance. It’s worth seeing if you’re a comic book movie fan but I’m walking away from it a bit mixed.”

Not everyone walked away disappointed, though. Jack Martin enjoyed the film's gruesome approach and compared it favorably to The Substance:

“DC’s foray into body horror is a slick and gruesomely violent character study that plays like a slightly subdued version of The Substance, with some creatively edited set-pieces and fascinating makeup effects elevating it into a fun new DCU entry.”

Simon Sutton was even more enthusiastic, calling it one of DC's strongest movies in years: “Just watched #ClayfaceMovie and it’s great best DC movie in some time it’s dark brutal with some really good horror elements that works so well. Plus Tom Rhys Harries was the perfect choice to play #Clayface”

Ren Geekness praised the performances and practical effects but felt the movie's storytelling kept it from reaching its potential:

“Despite Tom Rhys Harris’ star-making work #Clayface had potential for so much more. Watkins’ moody visuals & horrifyingly grotesque practical effects will make you squirm. But its basic story, jarring tonal shifts & underwritten characters are more akin to other villain movies.”

Another reaction, attributed to James Watkins, praised Mike Flanagan's take on the Batman villain while suggesting the story could have benefited from leaning further into Clayface himself:

“#ClayfaceMovie is a DC delight. Mike Flanagan’s #Batman TAS inspired story slays with its brutal horror/comic themed narrative. It’s visceral, uncomfortable, and eye-watering. However, without Batman and more #Clayface, any brilliance is tempered.”

Phil Roberts offered a description of the film's tragic monster story and the themes driving Matt Hagen's transformation: “Clayface is a horror thriller from director James Watkins, starring Tom Rhys Harries in the title role of the Gotham City villain.

“Clayface unravels one man’s horrifying descent from rising Hollywood star to revenge-filled monster in a story that explores the loss of one’s identity and humanity, corrosive love, and the dark underbelly of scientific ambition.”

Jack-o’-Lantern Ransom was happy with the movie's nasty streak and its decision to avoid softening the villain: “First act’s a little wobbly/rushed but when it gets going it’s great! Doesn’t shy from the 18 rating and hits a real strong balance of mean spirited nastiness alongside the comicbooky side! Star turn from Mr. Rhys Harries and thankfully no ‘anti-hero’ nonsense”

Then there's Gavin Spoors, who delivered one of the harshest assessments of the movie: “Sure, there are a few fun sequences, but #ClayfaceMovie is a goopy mess. Wooden dialogue, jarring tonal shifts and an undercooked story stop this DC entry from standing out. Not even the committed cast and some wonderfully horrible practical effects can save this film.”

Rhys wasn't impressed either, arguing that the film pulls too many punches for something marketed as gruesome body horror: “Clayface is so disappointing. It chickens out of nearly all the violence, sold as a gruesome body horror but this was a tame, lifeless effort. I thought Tom Rhys Harries did what he could with a character that becomes irredeemable, but too little too late in this total snooze”

It's interesting how divided these reactions are, particularly when it comes to the horror. Directed by James Watkins, Clayface follows Matt Hagen's horrifying transformation from a rising Hollywood actor into a monstrous villain driven by revenge. The screenplay comes from Flanagan and Hossein Amini, based on a story by Flanagan and characters from DC.

For now, Clayface sounds like a movie with a committed lead performance, some seriously cool practical effects, and a story that might not be as strong as the horror surrounding it.

I'm still interested in seeing what DC Studios has cooked up here. A full-on body horror movie about one of Batman's strangest villains is a pretty awesome concept, even if the execution has left some critics cold.

What do you think of these latest Clayface reactions? Are you still excited to see the movie, or are the comparisons to Morbius making you a little nervous?