The Shape of Water Starring Sally Hawkins, Michael Shannon, Richard Jenkins Directed by Guillermo Del Toro

Guillermo del Toro directs an other-worldly fairy tale, set against the backdrop of Cold War era 60s America. In the hidden government laboratory where she works, lonely Elisa (Hawkins) is trapped in a life of silence and isolation. Her life is changed forever when she and co-worker Zelda (Spencer) discover a secret classified experiment.

There is no question del Toro can direct and this beautifully shot film deserves its Production Design Oscar without doubt. For me, though, although a lovely story and superb special effects, it wasn’t the killer movie everyone was raving about. In truth, a little 80s B movie, but then maybe that’s the charm.

No question, though, that all the actors played beautifully and the texture of the film is very Amélie-esque evoking a bygone era. Nevertheless, a nice film and worth investing 123 minutes of your life on.

Verdict: Solid acting and directing even though (for me) it doesn’t reach the Oscar heights it earned. ***

This film will shown at The Harbour Club in Portscatho on Monday 6th August