DC's Gory 'Clayface' Spin-Off Arrives in Theaters, with Reviews Split on Quality
Photo: The GuardianDC's new superhero film "Clayface," a spin-off centered on a lesser-known Batman villain, is now in theaters. Directed by James Watkins from a script by Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini, the R-rated movie runs 108 minutes and was filmed in Liverpool standing in for Gotham City. It follows its title character through graphic body horror, without the Batman the villain usually fights. Experts believe DC's recent film Supergirl bombed and may have cost Warners upwards of $200 million, a setback after several other underperforming releases.
The Guardian calls the film very gory but not very good, describing it as a middling bid to profit from a minor villain. /Film calls it surprisingly gory and shapeless but perfectly fine, comparing it to Darkman and praising its refusal to make Clayface a hero. The New York Post calls it gory and grotesque but fun, comparing its body horror to The Substance and David Cronenberg films and framing it against Joker. All three note the heavy gore and villain focus, but they differ on quality: the Guardian is negative, /Film is mixed, and the Post finds it entertaining.
How the sides differ Left sources call it gory but middling; alternative sources find it shapeless but fine; right sources praise its fun, disgusting body horror.
Headline, comparison and summary written by AI from the articles below. AI can make mistakes, so check the original articles before relying on a detail.
Leads with the film's middling quality and DC's box office slump, citing Supergirl's losses. Features a critic's harsh verdict on its gore and execution.
Leads with its comparison to Darkman and its shapeless structure, calling it fine but not dire. Emphasizes the villain-centered approach over a hero framing.
Leads with the film's gory body-horror style and fun tone, comparing it to The Substance and Cronenberg. Places it against Joker and the studio's earlier box office.