Clayface

Director: James Watkins

Matt Hagen (Tom Rhys Harries) is a rapidly rising movie star on the verge of greatness. Out celebrating a first Oscar nomination with his friend Corey (Joshua James), he catches the eye of the wrong woman: Mia (Joana Ribeiro), girlfriend of mobster Szabo (David Dencik). When Szabo and his switchblade find out, Matt’s world is destroyed. Alone, destitute and desperate, he turns to scientist Caitlyn Corr (Naomi Ackie), whose technology could give him back everything he has lost. But it has unexpected side effects, and Matt gets more than he bargained for: the chance to avenge those who destroyed him, at the risk of losing who he is and what’s left of his life.

Clayface is not your usual superhero story. More a Joker-inspired dark origin story, owing far more to body horror, with The Substance springing to mind more readily than any Batman outing. It’s dark, violent and gory, and not one for the squeamish. That approach is brave, but for me it wasn’t wholly successful. However, I watched it with my son, who is far more invested in the character than me, and he found it an entertaining and fascinating telling of Clayface’s story.

Reservations aside, it is a solid outing, with a grungy, visceral feel. Gotham is as dark and wet as ever, and it is a film with a creative spark for grisly deaths!

Rhys Harries is at the heart of much of the film, bringing intensity and believability to the role as he struggles with his demons. Naomi Ackie is strong as a scientist desperate to change the world. David Dencik provides menace, there’s the always excellent Eddie Marsan, and a Rob Brydon cameo that feels written for him.

While not long, it feels a little slow and predictable. The modest budget shows at times, though its use of practical effects brings a tactile feel often lost in CGI-heavy superhero films.

For the casual observer, like me, it’s solid if not spectacular, but as my son showed, those invested in the character may get much more from it.