Certificate: 15
Running time: 123 minutes
Directed by: Guillermo Del Toro.
What’s it about: A shy, mute woman who works as a cleaning lady in a high security government facility develops a unique bond with a mysterious, amphibious creature that is being held in captivity,
The verdict: The Shape of Water has swept awards season, winning a plethora of awards. It has also recently been nominated for thirteen Oscars. Suffice to say - it has been very well received by critics. But is The Shape of Water worthy of its massive recognition and praise? In short, I believe that it is.
Director Guillermo Del Toro is well known for the detail that he puts into his fantasy worlds and seeing his version of an early 1960's America is a glorious thing in itself. There are the huge, shiny cars, the traditional diner selling quirky, lurid pies, and the beautiful, nostalgic cinema that Elisa lives above. But much like the mysterious creature that lurks beneath the waters, darkness lurks underneath this seemingly happy and simple world. Once you see these small dark details start to seep through into the film, then you really start to see Del Toro's unique touch. In this way, The Shape of Water certainly draws you in with its excellent visuals. It also has a smooth narrative - taking you seamlessly from scene to scene and building up the story in a clear, linear fashion.
The Shape of Water also benefits from a really strong cast. Sally Hawkins is captivating as lead character Elisa. As Elisa is mute, Hawkins has to rely solely on facial expressions to portray her emotions to the audience and she does this very well - without saying a word, we are able to root for and empathise with Elisa. The supporting cast is also fantastic. Richard Jenkins brings some light-hearted relief, Octavia Spencer is a great as the antithesis to Elisa's muteness, and Michael Shannon makes a chilling and convincing villain. Del Toro stated that he wrote the screenplay with Hawkins and Shannon in mind, and I think you can tell that the parts are made for them.
I suppose if I had to find fault with The Shape of Water, I might say that it is reasonably predictable. However that is clutching at straws for me, as that in no way detracted from my enjoyment of the film. Other reviews have criticised one very particular plot point, but to discuss this would be a spoiler. All I will say is that I believe that everything that happens makes sense and fits within the style, genre and narrative of the film.
Overall I loved The Shape of Water. It is like a dark, adult fairy-tale and I loved its unconventionality and originality - I have certainly never seen a film like it before and I look forward to watching it again.
Should you watch this film? Yes! The Shape of Water is a visual treat and one of the most original films of recent years. It is rich in symbolism and brimming with dark detail, and is definitely one to see on the big screen.
Director Guillermo Del Toro is well known for the detail that he puts into his fantasy worlds and seeing his version of an early 1960's America is a glorious thing in itself. There are the huge, shiny cars, the traditional diner selling quirky, lurid pies, and the beautiful, nostalgic cinema that Elisa lives above. But much like the mysterious creature that lurks beneath the waters, darkness lurks underneath this seemingly happy and simple world. Once you see these small dark details start to seep through into the film, then you really start to see Del Toro's unique touch. In this way, The Shape of Water certainly draws you in with its excellent visuals. It also has a smooth narrative - taking you seamlessly from scene to scene and building up the story in a clear, linear fashion.
The Shape of Water also benefits from a really strong cast. Sally Hawkins is captivating as lead character Elisa. As Elisa is mute, Hawkins has to rely solely on facial expressions to portray her emotions to the audience and she does this very well - without saying a word, we are able to root for and empathise with Elisa. The supporting cast is also fantastic. Richard Jenkins brings some light-hearted relief, Octavia Spencer is a great as the antithesis to Elisa's muteness, and Michael Shannon makes a chilling and convincing villain. Del Toro stated that he wrote the screenplay with Hawkins and Shannon in mind, and I think you can tell that the parts are made for them.
I suppose if I had to find fault with The Shape of Water, I might say that it is reasonably predictable. However that is clutching at straws for me, as that in no way detracted from my enjoyment of the film. Other reviews have criticised one very particular plot point, but to discuss this would be a spoiler. All I will say is that I believe that everything that happens makes sense and fits within the style, genre and narrative of the film.
Overall I loved The Shape of Water. It is like a dark, adult fairy-tale and I loved its unconventionality and originality - I have certainly never seen a film like it before and I look forward to watching it again.
Should you watch this film? Yes! The Shape of Water is a visual treat and one of the most original films of recent years. It is rich in symbolism and brimming with dark detail, and is definitely one to see on the big screen.
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