Film explores body horror themes
DC Studios has released Clayface, a superhero horror film that follows Matt Hagen, a young actor in Gotham City who becomes disfigured after a violent attack and transforms into a super-villain through an experimental treatment.Character transformation and plot
In the film, Matt Hagen is helped by a scientist, played by Naomi Ackie, to undergo an experimental procedure to restore his face. The treatment has unexpected side effects, turning him into Clayface, a metamorphic villain seeking revenge.Director's approach to horror
British director James Watkins, known for horror films like Speak No Evil and Eden Lake, emphasized that the film aims to create fears that "creep under their skin." He described body horror, which includes dismemberment or horrific transformations, as a universal fear tied to anxiety about the body's vulnerability.Use of practical effects
Watkins stated that the film used prosthetics for as many scenes as possible, rather than digital effects, to create authentic reactions from other actors and provide a solid base for any enhancements. This approach aimed to make the horror more tangible and immersive.Actor's experience and filming locations
Tom Rhys Harries, 36, who previously appeared in White Lines and The Gentlemen, made his first foray into horror cinema with this role. He spent hours in the makeup chair for prosthetics, which he removed at the end of each day's filming. The film's sets were partially shot outdoors in Liverpool, northern England, with Watkins noting that filming on the edge of the River Mersey in the rain created an atmosphere that "is impossible to recreate on a studio set."
