The Shape of Water (2017)

'The Shape of Water' may not be director Guillermo Del Toro's best film, but it is certainly one of them. With a wonderful cast that each perform beautifully, a charming score, and of course the usual artistic beauty associated with Del Toro's work. The story concerns a young mute woman named Eliza played by Sally Hawkins who works at a secret Government facility in the 1960's. One day, a unusual sea creature is brought in and slowly begins a deep relationship with Eliza, leading to her mission of freeing the creature no matter the consequences. She also gets help from her artist neighbor (Richard Jenkins) and her friend and co-worker (Octavia Spencer) in her quest.

From the opening scenes, 'The Shape of Water' shows off its best asset: its art direction and cinematography. Despite the film's setting in 1960's Baltimore, the film feels very much like a French film, similar to 'Amile'. It also gives that feeling thanks to composer Alexandre Desplat whose strings mixed with an accordion throughout gives off that European romance vibe. I do love this score, but when the film nears its climax it takes a drastic left turn and becomes almost a typical action theme which threw me off a bit. Overall, the production design is still the highlight as it is with most of Del Toro's work and I felt it was his most beautiful looking film since 'Pan's Labyrinth'.

This is also the only film I have seen this year in which every single character is developed fully and performed with perfection by its cast. Sally Hawkins does so much with so little and we see such strong emotions in just her eyes alone. Jenkins and Spencer also do well as the pillars to Hawkins character, and also provide the film with some comic relief. Even Michael Shannon's villain is not the same old bad guy you'd see in a film like this. The film's overall theme deals with being incomplete and unfulfilled with life, from Hawkins' lack of a voice, to Jenkins' homosexuality, and even Shannon's seemingly perfect suburban life. Even when he seemingly has everything, he feels the need to fill an empty void and the film shows that hole become filled for every character, whether it be a good or bad thing.

I think a special notice should go to actor Doug Jones who plays the creature here. The man has portrayed many fantasy creatures in Del Toro's work, along with many other films and he can make you terrified with one character, then make you feel with another. It's a real shame he hasn't gotten some stronger recognition outside of the horror film community as he really is a great actor. Anyone who can wear all that makeup and still give you a strong and emotional performance is better than Nicholson in my eyes.

'The Shape of Water' will not be for everyone. It has some strong content and a bizarre plotline that will turn off many, but for those who are willing to give it a shot I am here to say that you will not be disappointed. It's one of the most beautiful films of the year, and one of Guillermo Del Toro's best films.

9.5/10