Beauty and the Beast meets Creature from the Black Lagoon

Rating: 7/10 (8 March 2018)

As soon as I saw the trailer for this movie, I was absolutely hooked. Fantasy romance with Guillermo del Toro directing and writing? Sounded like the perfect combination.
I'm fairly familiar with some of del Toro's other works (Pan's Labyrinth, The Strain, Don't Be Afraid of the Dark, Crimson Peak, etc) many of which I loved, and this movie can be ranked up there with the best of his films. It was visually stunning from beginning to end, with a beautiful dark fantasy like feel throughout each scene. The whole film gives a sense of being underwater with reflective surfaces and gloomy aesthetics, making it absolute gorgeous to watch.
The characters are wonderfully developed. The relationship between Elisa and the Asset is not one we as an audience are unfamiliar with, but presented in a rather unique manner with the presence of various obstacles to their love. The childish innocence of the Asset and Elisa's wit and caring attitude come together in an adorable romance that warms the heart. The side characters offer their own unique quirks to the story and help to lighten some of the action in the film.
This film was so different from many of the others from this year and a welcome change. Highly recommend to those who love romance or tend to be jaded by the genre. There is something in this film for all.