The Shape of Water

Del Toro advances from Pans to buckets in this super saturated surrealist romance. His foreign perspective only enriches this alarmingly deep dive into American culture of the early 60s, and Hawkins’ emotionally loud performance patches plot-holes to ensure that ludicrous elements still hold water and Abe Piscine can swim spectacularly.

Lady Bird

Genuine, heartfelt and Gretty, Lady Bird soars on updrafts of cool wit and warm sentimentality. Clever writing and perfectly nuanced performances keep this meandering slice of life from overflowing its banks. A misplaced bet on Hedges, family that never Letts go and a play-making drama teacher make the mundane wonderful.

Coco

More outwardly beautiful and inwardly deep even than Inside Out, Pixar picks apart our notions of death and remembrance and does so with literally breath-taking energy and emotion. Dark concepts, brilliant animation and genuine attention to detail in image and tone and casting craft a film that may live forever.