The social media embargo for DC Studios' Clayface has lifted. So far, it sounds like the R-rated movie delivers body horror, strong performances, and gore-heavy scenes horror fans will love.
The review embargo is currently set to lift next Wednesday, the day before Thursday preview screenings will begin. There's a chance that DC Studios will now move that date up, but as always, whether the early reactions match the full reviews remains to be seen.
It's worth noting that it was harder than usual to gather these Clayface reactions, as many DC fans on social media are pretending that they've seen the movie and have shared overwhelmingly positive reactions (an 18-year-old fan with 83 followers hailed it as "one of the best DCU projects by a landslide," for example).
Fortunately, we've been able to gather the genuine efforts below. Critics from outlets like the Hollywood trades haven't weighed in yet, and like Supergirl, this first wave of reactions comes largely from more fan-oriented websites.
Still, the response so far has been great, with comparisons to The Fly and Darkman and plenty of praise for lead star Tom Rhys Harries. The only complaint so far is that "not all of it works," but that's drowned out by comments like, "A welcome change of tone that proves the DCU can do it all."
In Clayface, Matt Hagen’s meteoric rise from Gotham street kid to Hollywood leading man is tragically cut short when a local crime boss’s actions leave him horribly disfigured. Abandoned by his team and with nothing left, Matt seeks out a cutting-edge treatment that miraculously returns him to his former self, but also unexpectedly affects his grip on reality, spiralling him down a destructive path of all-consuming revenge.
The movie stars Tom Rhys Harries in the title role of the cult-favourite villain from Gotham's rogues' gallery. The cast includes Naomi Ackie, David Dencik, Max Minghella and Eddie Marsan, as well as Nancy Carroll and Joshua James. James Watkins directs from a screenplay by Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini, with Flanagan also getting a "Story by" credit.
Clayface will be released in theaters on October 23.