Welsh actor Tom Rhys Harries is turning heads for his haunting lead performance in DC Studios’ body-horror feature Clayface.
Directed by James Watkins, the body horror film follows Matt Hagen, a Hollywood actor who undergoes an experimental treatment after a brutal attack leaves him disfigured. The procedure triggers a horrifying transformation that turns him into the shape-shifting DC villain.
Several critics have compared Harries’ performance to Demi Moore’s Oscar-nominated role in The Substance. The comparisons have emerged alongside praise for the film’s disturbing imagery, with reviewers drawing parallels between the two films’ approaches to body horror.
The Times praised the British leads, describing Harries as “channelling Demi Moore in The Substance.” The review also commended Naomi Ackie’s performance, comparing her character to biotech entrepreneur Elizabeth Holmes, and highlighted Rob Brydon’s appearance as a talk show host.
Meanwhile, Time Out called Clayface “one of the ickiest body horrors since The Substance.” The review praised its combination of crime drama and disturbing imagery. The New York Post also compared the film’s graphic horror to the work of filmmaker David Cronenberg, describing the experience as gross “in a fun way.”
Does Tom Rhys Harries have a shot at winning an Oscar for Clayface?
Although the comparisons to Moore have drawn attention to Harries’ performance, an Oscar nomination remains a long shot. Clayface will need stronger awards-season momentum to compete in major acting categories.
Moore earned a Best Actress nomination at the 2025 Academy Awards for The Substance. She played Elisabeth Sparkle, an aging celebrity who uses a mysterious substance to regain her youth. Her performance helped bring The Substance into the awards conversation, making it a notable achievement for the body horror genre.
However, critical comparisons do not guarantee the same outcome for Harries. Clayface has received mixed reviews, with a 74% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes as of now. Some critics are praising its performances while others are questioning its storytelling. Its comic book origins could also make it harder to compete against more prominent award contenders.
For now, Harries’ chances remain slim. While drawing comparisons to Moore marks a major career breakthrough, the actor will need sustained critical backing throughout the fall circuit to gain serious traction among major award voters.
Originally reported on SuperHeroHype.
