The Shape Of Water - movie review

The Shape Of Water

Plot: At a top secret research facility in the 1960s, a lonely janitor forms a unique relationship with an amphibious creature that is being held in captivity.
Cast: Sally Hawkins, Michael Shannon, Richard Jenkins
Director: Guillermo Del Toro
Certificate: 15 (strong violence, language, sex, nudity)
Runtime: 2hrs 3 mins
Release Date: Wednesday 13th February 2018

The Oscars arrive on Sunday and with it, my final few reviews of the major contenders. Next up, one of the biggest movies that is make waves in the awards scene. Guillermo Del Toro's newest venture is yet another spin on a fairy tale with monsters and delving deep into the bizarre. The Shape Of Water follows an optimistic cleaner at a mysterious government science facility that encounters a newly imported creature, of which she develops a relationship with. Out of the films currently in contention to pick up awards, The Shape Of Water has garnered the most praise and deservedly so because Del Toro has crafted one of the most beautiful and emotionally provocative films of the year.

Erm, don't forget about your shoe.

I think it's fair to begin this review with a bit of a caution because I can assure you all that some audiences are not going to gravitate towards this film like others have. It is unusual and some scenes involving the romantic relationship forming between Eliza (Hawkins) and the Amphibian Man (Doug Jones) will be off-putting for those that can't buy into the relationship. If that's the case then so be it but personally, I adore the daring approach Del Toro took and appreciate his commitment and I for one, fell in love. Nearly every frame of The Shape Of Water, similar to Blade Runner 2049, can be encapsulated, framed and hung in my bedroom. It is an absolutely gorgeous film and a visual splendour from start to finish. From the brilliant practical effects and costumes, especially the design for the Amphibian Man, to the seamless visual effects and the beautifully woven narrative, The Shape Of Water is a tour de force in nearly every regard. Del Toro, who has had countless experiences telling fantastical tales, is in his element with this story as he balances monsters from a fantasy world and monsters that exist in the real world. Michael Shannon plays the villain of the piece as a security official who is in charge of containing the newest 'asset' yet allows the power to corrupt himself and rely on violent outbursts. It's now a fair assumption to make that if any filmmakers are looking to cast a maniacal villain, Shannon should be your first choice. His depiction as Strickland is vile and intense and through Del Toro's script, keeps you guessing as to what his next disgusting act will be. Shannon and Del Toro have a wonderful talent for making you feel safe, secure and positive until Shannon steps into frame and from that moment on, you are terrified of what he could be capable of. Michael Stuhlbarg, an actor who seems to have cleverly found his way into many of the nominated films this year (Call Me By Your Name, The Post and now, The Shape Of Water), appears as a compassionate scientist who has a secret motive for his place in the story. Stuhlbarg, as great as he is in this role and his others over the course of the year, didn't serve as great of a purpose as I had hoped in The Shape Of Water. His overall arc and development, whilst well executed, felt like one side-story too many and detracted away from my investment into the relationship because that is my biggest selling point about The Shape Of Water. For two hours, I was convinced, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that a human woman had fallen in love with a fish-man and I endorse this romance completely so long as no one sees this film and decides to dry hump their garden pond afterwards. That's the power of Del Toro at work right there.

I am SO learning how to do this.

FACT: When the film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2017, the screening was held in the Elgin Theatre. The interior scenes of the theater in the film were shot in the Elgin Theatre, so as the audience was watching the film, they were seeing the same theater on screen that they were sitting in.

Del Toro is the immediate star of the show but lest we not forget the sensational talents of Sally Hawkins and also Richard Jenkins. Rightfully earning acting nominations for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actor respectively, these two veterans each give career defining performances. Hawkins, who plays the lead, is effortlessly adorable in this role and in the first scene alone, you immediately gravitate towards this character and will to root her on no matter the situation. Eliza is also mute which may have been a gigantic hurdle for many actresses but Hawkins dominates the role with every stride. Her ability to convey a variety of emotions without uttering a single line of dialogue is astounding and is one of the more captivating protagonists of the year because of how fresh and dynamic she is. As for Jenkins, Del Toro writes his character beautifully and Jenkins gives a very careful and deft performance that might not serve a greater purpose to the overall film but is an excellent example of an amazing character arc. Alone, these characters are great but whenever they share the screen is when the magic really happens. The bond these two share as they reminisce the films of old with a tendency to tap dance along adds to the overall compassion you develop for these two. The character of Giles also links nicely with the overall theme of the film of finding your voice and social acceptance. Eliza struggles in life because of her inability to speak and so forms this bond with the Amphibian Man because she recognises the similarities they share. The same goes from Octavia Spencer's Zelda, Eliza's friend, who is often ostracized by officials due to the colour of her skin. Spencer is very reliable in the role however her nomination for Best Supporting Actress is a bit of a stretch. If I have but a complaint, it would be that the budding romance between Hawkins and the Amphibian Man could have benefited from a little more screen time. The romance was so beautiful to witness but I couldn't help but think that some more time spent on them connecting in the laboratory rather than rushing to climactic events immediately, would have driven it that bit further.

Eggs; the power to spark any romance.

The Shape Of Water prides itself on magnificent performances and a sensational directorial approach but the devil is in the detail and it is those details within The Shape Of Water that elevate it from a narrative splendour to a near cinematic masterpiece. Looking at things from a technical perspective, the production design of the film is faultless. Del Toro crafts these immaculately designed sets ranging from a sprawling water tank to keep the asset in containment and also smaller, more intimate settings such as Eliza's apartment situated above a cinema dream palace. There has also been an incredible amount of effort put into the make-up and creature design. Brought to life by the ever impressive and physical acting God that is Doug Jones, it is a crime that this movie has been overlooked for the make-up and hairstyling award. Del Toro has also partnered with Alexandre Desplat to orchestrate a Parisian infused score to drive the film along. I find that great scores can help elevate a movie but the best scores help shape the movie identity and Desplat's work does exactly that. It forms a character in and of itself and is also a general joy to listen to. But as I've continually suggested, this film belongs to Del Toro. He began the notion of reinventing and flipping fairy tales on their head with Pan's Labyrinth and The Shape Of Water follows that exact method. Whilst it may deal with themes such as finding romance in unexpected places and have a positive message at its core, The Shape Of Water is far from your typical Cinderella. Within the first five minutes, as we're introduced to Eliza and her repetitive daily routine, she sets an egg timer and proceeds to pleasure herself in the bath. The central romance is very sweet but it isn't afraid to show the passion and sensuality of a newly discovered relationship. The Shape Of Water also includes Del Toro's usual stamp of shocking and extreme violence with a traumatic sequence involving Michael Shannon's fingers.

How I step out of the shower.

The Shape Of Water is yet another smash hit from Del Toro as he once again combines fantasy into the real world. Only he can have a career in which he can go from filming giant robots punching giant aliens, to a heartfelt and emotionally driven love story. His direction is some of the most stunning and meticulous this year and might just be his very best film to date. Fuelled by breathtaking performances from Sally Hawkins and Richard Jenkins, The Shape Of Water is a multi-sensory experience like no other and I cannot recommend it enough.

My Verdict: 9.5/10

What did you think of The Shape Of Water? What is the most unorthodox movie romance? Sound off in the comments below.

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