Review of The Shape of Water (2017) by Murph M — 25 Jan 2018

Guillermo del Toro's Shape of Water is the quirkiest, most surreal, and most magical romantic film in many a moon. From the very beginning there's an otherworldly, surrealist quality to it all, as one would expect from del Toro. What you might not expect is that in addition to a sci-fi romance, this film is also a Cold War Spy thriller, an affectionate tribute to golden age film and TV, and a sometimes-pointed social commentary. That all these elements blend together to such effect is a true testament to del Toro's brilliance and the depth of his imagination.

Sally Hawkins is likewise brilliant as mute protagonist Elisa Esposito. Using her wonderfully emotive eyes and face she says more in her near wordless performance than most actresses could say if given a monologue. She could easily have been one of the great stars of the silent age. She brings a sense of vulnerability to her character; a longing for intimacy and for for connection the world around her, but a deep shyness and fear of rejection. The result is a tremendously sympathetic and relatable character.

On the other end of the spectrum is security chief Strickland. Played completely straight by Michael Shannon, he's a good soldier and a family man, living in a nice house in the suburbs and working for Uncle Sam. On the surface he's the ideal American male. But get to know him and he's a racist, misogynist, sadist, and all-around grade-A jerk. Think Sam Rockwell in Three Billboards, but without the redeeming qualities. To a great degree he epitomizes the film's recurring theme that appearances are deceiving and what seems most wholesome sometimes isn't. It's a message that's sometimes hammered home too forcefully, but one that's hard to argue with when he's beating helpless victims with a cattle prod.

Yet it's the creature that really steals the show. The first impression is that it's incredibly lifelike, from its breathing to the movement of its scales. Looking like a cross between the Creature from the Black Lagoon and a Drell from Mass Effect, its eyes radiate an intelligence and curiosity that make it as sympathetic, even cute, as it is frightening. And it can be quite frightening, especially in the early scenes. The special effects that went into making the creature are masterful, and Doug Jones's motion capture work is on par with Andy Serkis in the Apes franchise.

In regards to the relationship between Eliza and the creature, it's best that some things are told or merely implied rather than shown, but the parts that are shown may still be somewhat excessive. Some animal lovers may also object to a certain scene, but remember, no animals were harmed during filming.

The tone, as said before, is absolutely magical, deftly blending the elements of romance, horror and intrigue. The pacing is also very good, with the escape scene managing as much suspense as the best heist movie. And the period touches are masterful and all encompassing. For all the critique of midcentury American society, there's an unmistakable fondness for the era, and especially for its film and television. At every opportune moment shots are framed around screens showing Biblical epics or Mister Ed. Key scenes take place in the theater below Eliza's apartment. And there are dream sequences straight out of a Fred Astaire production.

In fact long sections of the film have such a dreamlike feel to them that at times one suspects that maybe this isn't how it all really happened, but just how the storyteller remembers it. But then that's true of all the best fairy tales. And Shape of Water is one of the greatest fairy tales you will ever see. It's a triumph of imagination and storytelling, and one of the best films of 2017.