The Shape of Water (2017)

Guillermo del Toro is a master when it comes to creature effects. What this movie lacks in depth, it makes up for in visuals. So much of the world, the film takes place in is so strikingly designed. The story is still really enduring and heartfelt, but it's pretty fluffy romantic stuff. The setup for the film is really interesting and Octavia Spencer is fun as a foil for the main character. Another thing I find Guillermo good at is his 2nd act's. A lot of other films with a similar love story premise would start to drag in the 2nd act as the lovers are blossoming into their relationship. In The Shape of Water there's something incredibly beautiful about watching these two characters come to understand each other in an incredibly meaningful way. If you think a love story between a human woman and a fish monster would be weird you would be right. A strength of the film is embracing the oddity. There's never a moment between the unlikely pair that isn't a little strange, but none of that matters. Their emotions translate effortlessly through the screen and remind us that love truly has no boundaries. I would recommend to anyone who is a fan of makeup effects and anyone who avoided this movie based on its premise.