The Shape of Water
2017
***½
Director: Guillermo del Toro
Cast: Sally Hawkins, Michael Shannon, Richard Jenkins, Doug Jones, Michael Stuhlbarg, Octavia Spencer, Nick Searcy, David Hewlett, Nigel Bennett, Stewart Arnott, Martin Roach
Elisa is a mute cleaner who unexpectedly forms a close bond with an amphibious creature who is held captive in a secret government facility in Baltimore in 1962. After the forgettable Pacific Rim and Crimson Peak, Guillermo del Toro returns to form. Like Pan's Labyrinth (2006), his best work to date, this is a gripping and visually rich story that seemlessly mixes fantasy and historical drama. However, like he did with his 2006 film, del Toro ruins the dramatic stakes with a one-note villain, who is evil and sadistic even to his own wife. However, the performances are great and the film looks spectacular. An Academy Award winner for best picture, director, score, and production design.
