Review of The Shape of Water (2017) by Jonathan B — 16 Jan 2018

Guillermo del Toro's career to date has produced fantasy movies with a dark, oddball quality that makes him a unique figure at the moment. The Shape of Water continues this style and is recognisably his movie but is, I think at least, the sweetest and most heartwarming of his works to date.

Yes, there are still some grim scenes that made me squirm uncomfortably in my seat but the overall feel I left with was of a magical and tender story and a perfectly crafted piece of cinema. Sally Hawkins has a smile that could melt the iciest heart and is simply charming as the dumb cleaning lady Eliza, who falls in love with an amphibious creature that is being studied in a military laboratory.

The story is populated by a number of characters who are ostracised by the 1960s American society in which the story unfolds. A particular delight is Octavia Spencer as Zelda, Eliza's co-worker who often acts as her interpreter.

This is a touching and heartwarming allegory which is very deserving of all the praise and awards it has gathered over the past few months since it was released. I am sure this will become a firm favourite for years to come.