The Shape of Water (2017) **

Source: Imdb

This cross-species romance did not live up to the hype at all. Rather, it reminded me of the Lego movie: full of metaphors and weird, cartoonish characters, who never left the two-dimensionality of the screen. There was no trace of romance or chemistry. Rather, Elisa seemed a bit dim-witted and naïve and the fish guy about as intelligent as a toddler. Far from equals.

The acting was ok, I guess, but nothing outstanding. The production had a strange, surreal look that sort of grated. I expected a more serious sifi piece. Fish guy was well-animated (and with good prosthetics) but I thought the entire design was lazily humanoid. I’m just glad that my only other Guillermo del Toro experience (that really traumatised me and continues to haunt me to this day) has sadly taught me to expect graphic violence from his work – and I was not wrong.
So, I’m inclined to give this a 2/5, but may be persuaded for a 3/5. It just wasn’t that good. 

The Shape of Water on Imdb