Fish-men likes them mute lovers

Rating: Null/10 (16 March 2018)

A melancholic, saccharine-infused fairy tale strictly aimed for the mature audience.
Mr. Del Toro presents the audience his tribute to the American's technological might during early '60s and prolific pop culture attached to it, but all the while not forgetting that this was also the time when some of the prejudices (racial, homosexuality and communism) pervades. As with that certain tobacco product's slogan during the '70s that says, "(We've) come a long way, baby." Yes, indeed, freedom from some of the biases that have already been dismissed as deplorable now, that is. Though, of course, there are parts of the world that are still the exception.
Hawkins' impeccable nuanced performance as a mute cleaning lady in a research lab is an astounding feat that is antithetical to the crisp, discernible voices of the supporting players: Jenkins as Elisa's caring, closeted-gay neighbor, Spencer as her candid co-worker/translator and Shannon as a harsh Korean war vet in charge of studying the aquatic creature to whom the unspeaking cleaner would fall for. This film does not have conversations between characters that demonstrate wit and showcase ornate lines of dialogue or verse, but the eloquence of these three distinct marvelous supporting actors make up for it, for there is that certain musicality in the way they speak.
What resonates throughout the film that is an abundance of interplaying disparate elements, both subtle and explicit, a sort of visual and emotional poetry, where the set production, the musical score and sound, cinematography, creature makeup, VFX are all first-rate.
The significance of Elisa's color choice in clothes, or Giles who can't help but be compelled into buying the Key lime pie at the pie shop, or Strickland mesmerized by the teal-colored Coup de Ville. And then there's that overt exhibition of racism in public contrasted by one of the most underwhelmingly awkward display of harassment ever depicted on screen. Real life issues well-rendered and explored in a fantasy-romantic film that only a director with Mr. Del Toro's flair and objectivity could effortlessly pull off, whether be it forcing the viewers to see the film with a grain of salt especially when it comes to the admiration and acceptance of an unsightly creature as half of a romantic pair or to suspend their beliefs regarding condoning issues as anathematic as bestiality.
My rating: A-flat.