The Shape of Water Review
Review by Myla Tosatto
The Shape of Water is said to be Guillermo del Toro’s stab at a fairytale: an underwater Beauty and the Beast or perhaps a reverse The Little Mermaid. The princess, Elisa (Sally Hawkins), is well established at the beginning of the film. But who is the monster? Is it the Creature (Doug Jones) or the hard nose government man, Richard Strickland (Michael Shannon)? Don’t worry, Elisa has her comic sidekicks just like every princess should: Zelda (Octavia Spencer) and Giles (Richard Jenkins) to help her figure it out. These two are perfectly cast and I would seriously watch them in anything. It makes it extra special when the movie is as enchanting as this one.
Guillermo del Toro is a visual genius. His glorious vision shines through in movies such as Hellboy and the incredible Pan’s Labyrinth. The Shape of Water fits right in with his other visionary movies. The difference here is that this movie is not a horror movie. Sure, there is a sea creature that is capable of doing some horrific stuff, but it much more of a love story. It’s a love story and a story about a woman finding herself.
This is absolutely not a kids’ movie. The movie is rated R and has many, many adult themes. Who should you see it with? It is a perfect date night flick. Also, don’t forget- the Oscar race is on. The Shape of Water leads the nominations for Golden Globes (including best drama, director, actress, supporting actor and supporting actress) so that is a great indicator on Academy Award success. Bring the friend that runs the Oscar betting pool that you get in to! You cannot miss this one if you take award season seriously.
From master story teller, Guillermo del Toro, comes THE SHAPE OF WATER – an other-worldly fable, set against the backdrop of Cold War era America circa 1962. In the hidden high-security government laboratory where she works, lonely Elisa (Sally Hawkins) is trapped in a life of isolation. Elisa’s life is changed forever when she and co-worker Zelda (Octavia Spencer) discover a secret classified experiment. Rounding out the cast are Michael Shannon, Richard Jenkins, Michael Stuhlbarg and Doug Jones. Rated R for sexual content, graphic nudity, violence and language.
