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

3. The Incredible Creature Effects

The Shape Of Water Sally Hawkins
Fox Searchlight

This shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone who has seen a del Toro film before, but yes, the creature effects are absolutely superb here.

It certainly helps that the director has seemingly opted more for practical effects than digital, with Doug Jones being kitted out in an intricate make-up suit that's staggeringly lifelike and never feels like merely a man in a rubber outfit.

It helps that parts of the creature, namely its eyes and gills, have been digitally enhanced to emphasise its otherworldy nature, and the mixture of these elements both practical and CGI-based is virtually seamless.

Though the creature ultimately has a little less screen time than you might reasonably expect, and no, it's not Abe Sapien, it nevertheless has a commanding presence every time it shows up.

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Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.