Review of The Shape of Water (2017) by Ian O — 15 Mar 2018

Film of the year! 2017 has given us brilliant coming of age stories like Lady Bird or horror satire like Get Out. We got scares and coming of age stories in It, now Guillermo del Toro enchants the heart with his romantic horror masterpiece The Shape of Water.

Sally Hawkins is magnificent as the mute maid Eliza. You will fall in love with her and empathize with her terrible longing and heartfelt desires. Hawkins deserves the Oscar for leading actress for her performance.

Doug Jones is captivating as the water creature, perceptive in his movements and facial signals. He brilliantly matches Hawkins' subtle acting. Their faces, mouths, eyes, and hand movements engage you without words.

Michael Shannon delivers the villainous performance of a lifetime as the terrifying, yet thrillingly shrewd government agent. You realize he is the true monster of this fairy tale.

Alexandre Desplat's score will delight your eyes with gentle and rousing classical music that perfectly fits the tone of the film. It's swells enchant with sonic magic and the subtle music cues parallel the passionate emotions on screen.

Guillermo del Toro has surpassed the majesty and mystique of his previous landmark in horror film, Pan's Labyrinth, in spectacular fashion. He should be proud of crafting a movie that is simultaneously, gorgeous to gaze upon, and thrilling to witness. Go see The Shape of Water in theaters immediately! You have never had a cinematic experience quite like this film.