Review of The Shape of Water (2017) by Bradley J — 15 Jan 2018
Lovely and strange, The Shape of Water is a thoroughly unique and entrancing film, if one that could have used a little more subtlety and a little less violence. Sally Hawkins is captivating as a mute woman who befriends a fish man, and their relationship is the film's highlight.
The film becomes a water ballet of romance, but the relationship goes from 0 to 100 really fast, not allowing for much growth before pure love takes over. But the film is gorgeous to behold and the plot, while rather predictable, is engaging and magical, making room for some charming musical detours.
Supporting actors Octavia Spencer and Richard Jenkins turn in solid work and Michael Shannon is demented as the villain of the piece, however, del Toro occasionally lets his campy and over-the-top tendencies get in the way.
The film is needlessly violent in a few scenes and a sense of quiet intimacy would have put the film on another level. As such, the film never reaches the emotional heights it intends to. Still, there isn't anything quite like The Shape of Water in cinemas currently and the actors and lovely score deserve recognition here.
Rating: 82.
This review of The Shape of Water (2017) was written by Bradley J on 15 Jan 2018.
The Shape of Water has generally received very positive reviews.
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