The Shape Of Water LFF Review: 8 Ups & 2 Downs

1. It's Del Toro's Second-Best Film

Make no mistake: this is a major return to form for Guillermo del Toro, whose last two movies (Pacific Rim and Crimson Peak) were relatively shallow, if visually appealing, genre homages.

Without question, this is the esteemed director's best film since 2006's Pan's Labyrinth, which remains his crowning achievement to date.

It isn't a million miles away, though, serving as a satisfyingly full-bodied reminder of just what the legendary filmmaker is capable of.

Fingers crossed that del Toro keeps away from style-over-substance fare and continues to bring enough wit and character to the table to match all those entrancing images. His latest effort is thankfully highly encouraging in that regard, but as ever, time will tell.

What are your expectations for The Shape of Water? Have you caught it on the festival circuit already? Shout it out in the comments below!