The Shape of Water Review
Rebecca Newman
Receiving over 20 awards including Academy Awards for best picture, best director, best music score and best director, The Shape of Water has been an extremely popular film since its release on the 1st of December last year.
This film tells the story of Elisa (Sally Hawkins), a mute janitor who lives a life of loneliness and isolation while working at a top secret government laboratory during the 60s. After encountering a mysterious creature that has been captured by the scientists, Elisa begins to form a bond with it and after discovering the cruel fate that awaits her friend, she takes it upon herself to save him. An unlikely romance forms between the two, as they attempt to save this unique creature from the clutches of a crazed government official (Michael Shannon).
One of most spectacular aspects of this film is the creative and intelligent production design, which was well-deserving of multiple awards. The use of colour in the set design completely changes the tone and atmosphere of the film, which helps to add multiple depths to this stunning film. Despite the fantastical storyline, the realistic, gritty acting in the performances grounds this otherworldly tale in reality, making the characters believable despite the extraordinary circumstances that surround them.
Despite receiving some criticism for being yet another saccharine, whimsical fantasy from director Guillermo Del Toro, I would argue that this ethereal tone perfectly fits this sweet film about acceptance of outsiders and those who feel they don’t belong. It raised interesting discussions about our attitude towards the treatment of animals: do we treat them with respect and observe them as recommended by the scientist Dr Hoffstetler (Michael Stuhlbarg), or do we take them apart piece by piece to see how they tick, and destroy them in the process, like government agent Strickland (Michael Shannon) intended to do?
Overall, I would strongly recommend this film, as it not only looks amazing, but it also has a very sweet romantic storyline that you can’t help but smile at. If you are a fan of the fantasy or romance genres, or even just want to watch something that’s quite unusual and out of your comfort zone, be sure to check out this film!
This film tells the story of Elisa (Sally Hawkins), a mute janitor who lives a life of loneliness and isolation while working at a top secret government laboratory during the 60s. After encountering a mysterious creature that has been captured by the scientists, Elisa begins to form a bond with it and after discovering the cruel fate that awaits her friend, she takes it upon herself to save him. An unlikely romance forms between the two, as they attempt to save this unique creature from the clutches of a crazed government official (Michael Shannon).
One of most spectacular aspects of this film is the creative and intelligent production design, which was well-deserving of multiple awards. The use of colour in the set design completely changes the tone and atmosphere of the film, which helps to add multiple depths to this stunning film. Despite the fantastical storyline, the realistic, gritty acting in the performances grounds this otherworldly tale in reality, making the characters believable despite the extraordinary circumstances that surround them.
Despite receiving some criticism for being yet another saccharine, whimsical fantasy from director Guillermo Del Toro, I would argue that this ethereal tone perfectly fits this sweet film about acceptance of outsiders and those who feel they don’t belong. It raised interesting discussions about our attitude towards the treatment of animals: do we treat them with respect and observe them as recommended by the scientist Dr Hoffstetler (Michael Stuhlbarg), or do we take them apart piece by piece to see how they tick, and destroy them in the process, like government agent Strickland (Michael Shannon) intended to do?
Overall, I would strongly recommend this film, as it not only looks amazing, but it also has a very sweet romantic storyline that you can’t help but smile at. If you are a fan of the fantasy or romance genres, or even just want to watch something that’s quite unusual and out of your comfort zone, be sure to check out this film!
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