Leading the 2017 Oscar contenders with an impressive 13 nominations, including Best Picture, the original script, also penned by Del Toro, shares the fascinating story of a mute janitor who falls in love with a mysterious amphibious creature at a research facility in the 1960s. The romance fantasy drama is anchored by Sally Hawkins in the Oscar-nominated lead role.
Communicating almost entirely via sign language, it is astounding how versatile and effortless she makes everything look, bringing to life a vulnerable and empathetic character you'll love to watch succeed. Michael Shannon, Richard Jenkins, Octavia Spencer, and Michael Stullbark all provide equally excellent performances as well. Jenkins is magnificent as the tender and reclusive friend, whereas Shannon predictably frightens as the dastardly villain.
Del Toro approaches the unique subject matter with such heartfelt sincerity. It's easy to overlook the fact that you're basically watching a serious, gender-flip version of Splash. As unconventional as it may seem, the shape of water really is a story about unconditional love and finding friends among the shadows. Hawkins describes her relationship with the amphibian by saying, "He sees me, for what I am, as I am."
Everything in this movie is beautiful, moving, and even inspiring, but a particular note is the musical score. Alexander Displot expertly blends accordions, woodwinds, and flutes for a whimsical and romantic sound. Resumbling the best bits from Up and Super Mario Galaxy, this is the perfect backdrop to the film's sci-fi events.
The impeccable set designs, costumes, and visual effects all assure total immersion in the R-rated fairy tale. A rare film that blends originality with time-tested romance. The shape of water is a fantastic fantasy, worth exploring again and again. I thought it was awesome.