A fantasy romance worthy of its awards

Rating: 8/10 (22 August 2019)

Guillermo del toro directs The Shape of Water, a fantasy romance story following the blossoming relationship between a mute laboratory cleaner and a mysterious aquatic creature.
Del toro keeps the romance genre fresh and interesting by developing characters who both share misfit qualities which bind them together in a mutual respect. I only wish we saw more growth of said relationship leading up to the third act.
Despite playing a mute character, sally Hawkins is able to convey convincing emotion physically and she does it so very well. Standout supporting characters for me are Richard Jenkins and Michael Shannon.
The cinematography from del toro is at an all time high here, with colourful shots that pop off the screen and mesmerising transitions. Everything just looks great, though it doesn't compensate for the lacklustre subplot that doesn't quite live up to the main story and themes the film follows.
The Shape of Water is a great time, which explores two characters finding love through their disconnect from the world, and society. It comes to no surprise to me that the film won Oscar awards for best picture, production design and more. I highly recommend this fantasy romance.