Nice to see you enjoyed it. I also find it very nice. One of the plot threads felt a little cliche but the core of the movie was about her relationship with her mother which was very interesting and touching. Overall, it’s a very genuine film with great acting and though it’s not my favorite of the year, I’d be fine with it taking home Best Picture. I just can’t accept Shape of Water winning.
Why though
I mean of course, whatever wins will win, I just find Shape of Water overrated. Not nearly as much as Darkest Hour which has no place in the nominations whatsoever in my opinion. I find CMBYN or Three Billboards deserving of the award. If they nominated BR 2049 then I’d give it to that in a heartbeat.
I agree Darkest Hour is really the only one there that shouldn’t be in the conversation. I wasn’t as in love with Shape of Water as many people were but I liked it at least as much as Three Billboards.
After having seen every Best Picture winner, I’ve come to find satisfaction in the small victories, because I know 9 times out of 10 my favorite movie won’t win (or even be nominated). This year, the little victory - if Shape of Water wins - would be that it’s a kind of movie that’s pretty out there for the Academy (sci-fi fantasy fish romance drama thriller). There isn’t really any little victory to be had for Three Billboards except that I liked it. So, in the race between the two, I’m Shape of Water all the way (not to mention it’s a passion project for Del Toro, a director I admire who might not be in the conversation again anytime soon).
For the record…
- Dunkirk
- Phantom Thread
- The Post
- Get Out
- Lady Bird
- Call Me By Your Name
- The Shape of Water
- Three Billboards
- Darkest Hour