The Shape Of Water (2017) 15

This sumptuous fable about otherness is set against the sinistre backdrop of Cold War America, circa 1962.   The proxy princess is dreamy, mute cleaner, Elisa (Sally Hawkins); the handsome prince is a shimmeringly scaled Creature from the Black Lagoon; and the villian's role fits the evil military scientist (Michael Shannon) like a glove.  Elisa exists happily enough in a world of her own, but when she is tasked with mopping up the floor of the top secret research lab, she is beguiled by the sinuous creature imprisoned in the water tank.  As in all good fairy tales True Love has many obstacles to overcome, but a shared appreciation for Jazz and a love of hard boiled eggs helps, here!

Director Guillermo del Toro says he has relied on the company of monsters since childhood.  He believes that monsters help "make sense of our blissful imperfections."   Anyone familiar with his Spanish Civil War-set Pan's Labyrinth knows that del Toro approaches his weighty themes through the fine gauze of fantasy.  In The Shape of Water, though, he permits himself a more traditional fairy tale ending, and it's very welcome!  It is not just us who have been utterly charmed by this; it won the Golden Lion at Venice Film Festival, and it has topped the table for Oscar nominations.  See why for yourself.

Queens Park is the home of The Nomad Cinema. The City of London allow us to have a full PA system so no headphones are required. We are delighted to be working with the new owners of the Queen's Park Cafe to offer food and drink and even a BBQ so come and support the local ecconomy with a drink or two and watch the hottest new film this year!

The Nomad Cinema is thrilled to partner with curated online cinema MUBI to present this summer's programme of amazing outdoor screenings. It's the perfect fit: two adventurous, independent companies dedicated to bringing great cinema to a wide audience. And to make it even more exciting, every ticket to a Nomad screening will include 30 free days of MUBI!