The Shape of Water Reviews

This was good but I watched it with my grandma which was a mistake

The shape of water? More like what’s the shape of his d ?

i want whatever they have fish man or not 😭

fish ate cat :( 7/10

uhhhhh yeah let me flood my room and suck this alien’s hog real quick 🥴

Guess Guillermo del Toro was getting too horny on the set of Hellboy he had to make his own fan fic

I can't stop thinking about that poor cat.

A Cold War Fairytale: A Review of The Shape of Water
Guillermo del Toro's The Shape of Water is a hauntingly beautiful and subversive fairytale set against the backdrop of the Cold War. The film centers on Elisa (Sally Hawkins), a mute woman who works as a night janitor at a high-security government laboratory. Elisa's life is one of routine and solitude, but her world is upended when a captured amphibian creature (Doug Jones) is brought to the facility.
Elisa, drawn to the creature's vulnerability and ostracized status, forms an unlikely bond with him. With the help of her co-worker Zelda (Octavia Spencer) and her closeted neighbor Giles (Richard Jenkins), Elisa hatches a daring plan to rescue the creature from the clutches of the sadistic government agent Richard Strickland (Michael Shannon).

A Celebration of the Other
The Shape of Water is a potent allegory for otherness and the perils of conformity. Elisa, who is mute and ostracized because of her disability, finds solace and connection with the amphibian creature, who is seen as a monstrous anomaly. Their bond transcends physical limitations and societal expectations, highlighting the beauty of finding acceptance in the most unexpected places.
The film critiques the rigid societal norms of the 1960s, particularly regarding race and gender. Elisa and Zelda, both women of color, navigate a workplace dominated by white men. Giles, a closeted artist, struggles to express his true self. The amphibian creature represents the ultimate outsider, a being feared and misunderstood.

Del Toro's Visual Mastery
The Shape of Water is a masterclass in visual storytelling. Del Toro, known for his fantastical creatures and gothic settings, creates a world that is both breathtaking and unsettling. The film's muted color palette, accented by bursts of vibrant greens and blues, reflects Elisa's isolated world and the creature's aquatic origins.
The creature itself is a marvel of creature design, both monstrous and strangely beautiful. Del Toro's use of practical effects imbues the creature with a physicality and vulnerability that CGI often fails to capture. The film's underwater sequences are particularly stunning, creating a dreamlike world where Elisa and the creature can truly connect.
Hawkins' Heartfelt Performance
Sally Hawkins delivers a tour-de-force performance as Elisa. Despite being mute, Hawkins manages to convey a wealth of emotions through her expressive eyes and body language. Her vulnerability and strength are equally palpable, making Elisa a deeply endearing and relatable protagonist.
The supporting cast is equally impressive. Octavia Spencer brings warmth and humor to Zelda, Elisa's confidante and co-conspirator. Richard Jenkins imbues Giles with a quiet dignity and a yearning for connection. Michael Shannon delivers a chilling performance as Strickland, a man embodiment of Cold War paranoia and brutality.

A Modern Fairytale
The Shape of Water is more than just a genre-bending romance or a Cold War thriller. It is a timeless fairytale about the power of love, acceptance, and defying expectations. It is a film that celebrates the beauty of difference and the importance of finding connection in the most unexpected places. With its stunning visuals, powerful performances, and underlying social commentary, The Shape of Water is a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

“Unable to perceive the shape of you; I find you all around me. Your presence fills my eyes with your love. It humbles my heart, for you are everywhere.”

Beautiful message highlighted of how genuine love knows no barriers.

I also liked the open-ended conclusion to the film 👀🫢

elisa stands for me and all of my fellow monster lovers
this film was just gorgeous, vibrant and so romantic
the writing was really good and i was invested the whole time
i’m a sucker for love stories where both parties heal something within each other, it was just so well done

What.

I absolutely love the aesthetic of this film. There was a blue/green tint to the film and it was extremely visually pleasing. The character design of the asset was also amazing. The entire story went an interesting direction and the acting was really good throughout.

I didn’t like this at all really. I just thought it was super strange and I didn’t really resonate with their apparent love story. I just did not vibe with it. Brother liked him some eggs though. I did enjoy the fact it was set during the cold war, that was interesting. Bye.

Some people may find this movie a little disturbing, however I think it's very beautiful because it just talks about one simple thing: love.

Think beauty and the beast but not Disney. The idea is weird and at time off putting but the director makes the story the forefront and it’s shows. Also a reminder that cinema can create stories not just recreating life.

Wasn’t for me

This is one of my favorite films of all time. This and Pan’s Labyrinth are my Favorite Guillermo Del Toro films. This movie is incredibly magical and I watched this film at 4:00 am in the morning. This film is an absolute must watch and I assure you that you will love it.

Such a stupid movie. The directing is not good, Del toro is not ok genuinely. Such a weird movie and pretty boring. It’s trying too hard to give a deeper meaning. A love story between a creature and a human, just no. I did watch till the end, so that’s a plus.

1.7/10

Big fan of Sally Hawkins hands