The Shape of Water (2017)

⭐⭐⭐½

So much to like in this film! Sally Hawkins' performance was stellar, the visual aesthetic was dreamy, and I fell in love with Giles. There were moments of romance, excitement, and comedy all paced out very nicely.

...but why, in this lovely fantasy, did you have to include a white male bigot? And gratuitous violence? Those tensions did not serve the plot, and felt like lazy attempts to engage the audience. This film is strong because it is tender and romantic, and it deserves a conflict to match.