The Shape of Water (2017)

Director: Guillermo del Toro

Starring: Sally Hawkins, Michael Shannon, Richard Jenkins, Doug Jones

At a top secret research facility in the 1960s, a lonely janitor forms a unique relationship with an amphibious creature that is being held in captivity.

There’s a very good reason why Guillermo del Toro is one of my favorite directors: he is just brilliant! This film perfectly justifies the statement. It is simply put one of the most amazing and unique love stories I’ve ever seen. Sally Hawkins is excellent as a mute woman who’s ordinary life soon turns extra-ordinary. Doug Jones is great as the creature (looking very similar to Hellboy’s Abe Sapien character – also played by Doug and directed by Guillermo). The entire production was masterfully done and the visuals are awesome. This is a very special and highly effective film about the different levels of loneliness. An instant classic, and a masterpiece at that.

The film received almost 300 award nominations, including 13 Oscar nominations (still pending at the time of writing this review). It already won awards for Best Director, Best Original Score, Movie of the Year, Best Actress, Best Production Design, Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Cinematography, and Doug Jones for for his exemplary body performance.