WHO would’ve thought that a movie featuring a giant man-like amphibian and a middle-aged mute woman would form the year’s best story of love?

A unique spin on the beautiful tale of finding the one; someone who likes you for who are you and appreciates every little detail without a care in the world about your imperfections. Soulmates you could say.

But the reason this movie works so well is down to the fact that isn’t just a weird yet wonderful spin on romance.

It’s also a love letter to cinema, a story of friendships and a gripping monster movie all beautifully envisioned and constructed by the genius mind of Guillermo del Toro.

The man behind action hits such as Pacific Rim and Hellboy but also the critically acclaimed classic Pan’s Labyrinth, del Toro has always specialised in the peculiar and he has crafted another landmark movie which completely floored me.

The story takes place in a never fully explained research facility in the 1960s, and follows Elisa (Sally Hawkins) who works there as a janitor and forms a unique relationship with an amphibious creature that is being held in captivity.

Is Sally Hawkins one of the most underrated yet consistent actresses working today?

She never delivers a bad performance and with The Shape of Water, she has given us one of the most special performances in recent years.

Without a single use of dialogue, you still feel every emotion due to her pinpoint facial expressions, sign language and movements.

You will laugh and cry with her on this incredible journey and Hawkins is a sensation.

Off the back of an equally impressive turn in the masterpiece which is Paddington 2, Hawkins is unstoppable right now.

It is also Oscar-worthy performances across the board here.

Octavia Spencer is a breath of fresh air as Elisa’s best friend Zelda.

She is hilarious, so likeable and their friendship was adorable.

Elisa may be a mute but she is the perfect counterpart to Zelda as Spencer’s character just loves to speak about her life (mostly her inconsiderate husband) and Elisa is more than happy to listen.

Another blossoming friendship is that of Elisa and Richard Jenkins’ Giles. Jenkins has always been a fine actor but he treads new ground here as his character battles the problems of work, inspiration and sexuality. It’s a charming turn from Jenkins who you really root for throughout, especially after a scene in a cafe in which you legitimately feel his pain and awkwardness which is only executed so well due to his great work in the role.

Doug Jones continues his fine form as a CGI actor portraying the Amphibian man and Michael Stuhlbarg (who is having a huge 12 months following turns in The Post and Call Me by Your Name) who is excellent as the Doctor who works for the bad guys but really wants to help the good.

With well-earned Oscar nominations for Hawkins, Spencer and Jenkins, it feels a bit unjust that Michael Shannon has been getting no awards consideration for his turn as the cynical Richard Strickland.

Shannon is one of my favourite actors working today and he’s his usual best here in a slimy, downright disgusting turn as this candy crunching maniac who drives a Cadillac and has only one plan for the creature, killing it. He deserved a lot more attention for his work.

It’s such a captivating and handsome movie, every scene is like a painting and it’s all impressively shot by del Toro. Although I’m rooting for my favourite director Christopher Nolan to take home the director Oscar, I believe it will be del Toro who actually takes the award home as he’s delivered something truly special here.

I don’t usually take too much notice of the score or soundtrack in movies but here, it elevates every scene. The music is gorgeous and really adds emotion and levity to the experience.

It isn’t quite flawless. The third act is painfully rushed and it’s very predictable, but overall this is an enchanting and dazzling adventure which packs in elements of so many genres and somehow totally works.

You could even call it a modern-day Beauty and the Beast.

Verdict: The Shape of Water is a mesmerising experience with not a single weak link in the impeccable cast. A stunning tale of love, friendship and soulmates.

Best Moment: A gritty and tense showdown in the rain between Stuhlbarg and Shannon

Rating: 9/10