Less than expected

Rating: 7/10 (4 October 2018)

Given the science-fiction/fantasy premise and the accolades (including a best Picture Oscar), I had very high expectations for this film. I liked the first half, especially the development of Sally Hawkins 's 'Elisa' character and her friends Giles (Richard Jenkins) and Zelda (Octavia Spencer ) but was less impressed by the grimmer second half, which focussed more on Strickland (Michael Shannon) an over-the-top bad guy. I also found the idea that Elisa was having sex with the gill-man faintly ludicrous (although I know that in fetish/furry circles, cross-species sex is highly diversified and inclusive). Despite Guillermo del Toro's imaginative story, the fantastic cinematography, music and excellent design work, the jarring mix of romantic/sexual and whimsical/brutal didn't work for me (but I can see how other people might love the film).