^{Credit: Clayface (Warner Bros.)}

At Cartoon Contender, we mainly discuss animation and awards, but also everything in between. Nick’s Flick-Reel is that in-between, reviewing live-action films and more!

The first chapter in James Gunn’s DC Universe has been dubbed Gods and Monsters. With Superman, Supergirl, and Lanterns, Gunn has mostly focused on the gods thus far. Outside of the animated Creature Commandos, which technically kicked off this universe, there hasn’t been much emphasis on the monsters. Clayface not only goes all in on the monster angle, but it does so with the stomach-churning, painstakingly detailed body horror that would even have David Cronenberg squirming in his seat. It might not be in the same league as The Fly or the Batman: The Animated Series two-parter that set the gold standard for Matt Hagen. Yet, the film is a feat of makeup with just enough going on underneath.

Speaking of Creature Commandos, we already saw Clayface in that show, where Alan Tudyk voiced him. The character makes his live-action debut here with Tom Rhys Harries stepping into the role. Matt Hagen is an actor with everything going for him: money, good looks, an Oscar nomination, etc. After sleeping with a crime boss’ girlfriend, though, Hagen gets his angelic face sliced up. Hagen’s surgeons and legal defense bleed his bank account dry, leaving him almost penniless and faceless. Dr. Caitlyn Corr (Naomi Ackie) seemingly finds a miracle treatment that can restore Hagen’s mug, albeit with some side effects.

Caitlyn compares the treatment to A.I., so you know it’s gonna blow up in Hagen’s face (literally). Although Hagen’s face is seemingly restored, he’s soon melting like Michael Jackson on a hot summer day. Hagen’s physical transformation takes a toll on his mental health as well, going after those who wronged him by twisting his appearance. Neither Hagen nor his targets are given the PG-13 treatment. Director James Watkins (See No Evil) commits to the R rating, giving audiences what they wanted from Sony’s Spider-Man Universe. For fans of gore, Clayface delivers with an emphasis on practical effects that are equally bloody and inventive. Despite not being as action-heavy as some other DC projects, the fight scenes still have better blocking than the ones we got in Supergirl.

Weirdly enough, the film’s weakest element is its script, despite one of its writers being Mike Flanagan (The Haunting of Hill House, Midnight Mass). This isn’t to say the screenplay is bad. While it gets the job done, the story and characters can feel by the numbers. The mobsters, in particular, are more one-dimensionally cartoony than anything Batman: TAS ever gave us. The film can’t quite settle on what it wants Matt Hagen to be: a winking antihero we root for, a tragic figure who destroys himself, the villain of his own story? The film aims for a little of everything, but it doesn’t always flow. Ultimately, we sympathize with Hagen, but our hearts don’t break for him. He eventually crosses a line, but not in a way that really challenges the audience’s perception of him.

I sense this movie needed one more rewrite to truly figure itself out. Ironic for a movie about a man who goes through an identity crisis. If you’re looking for a fun revenge thriller, though, Clayface is a creative one that overflows with striking imagery. Rhys Harries also brings a menacing charm to the titular role, compensating for whatever shortcomings the script has. This is the kind of experiment I hope to see more of from DC, tackling adult material on a $30 million budget. Even if there’s a great monster movie in here that doesn’t materialize, the film comes together in a feat of blood, sweat, and clay.

Awards Potential:  

Best Makeup and Hairstyling (Oscars)         

Nick Spake is the Author of Bright & Shiny: A History of Animation at Award Shows Volumes 1, 2, and 3. Available Now!