Overview
- The film opened in wide release on Friday, Oct. 23, and early critic aggregates report scores in the mid‑70s, signaling generally favorable reviews that will need strong word‑of‑mouth to sustain box office momentum.
- Tom Rhys Harries draws near‑universal praise for giving Matt Hagen an emotional center, with many reviewers saying his performance anchors the film even when the story falters.
- Reviewers consistently highlight the movie’s commitment to practical make‑up and body‑horror set pieces, describing graphic, R‑rated transformation scenes that lean into visceral horror rather than standard superhero spectacle.
- Critics fault the screenplay and tone for uneven pacing, narrative shortcuts and occasional unclear rules around the character’s abilities, which some say limits the film’s emotional reach.
- The production’s modest reported budget lowers its break‑even point, so the movie’s wider impact on James Gunn and Peter Safran’s strategy of contained, genre‑specific DC entries will depend on sustained reviews, audience response, and international returns.