The Shape of Water is a 2017 American romantic dark fantasy film directed by Guillermo del Toro and written by del Toro and Vanessa Taylor.
WHAT’S THE MOVIE ABOUT
Set in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1962 (Cold War-era America), the story follows a mute cleaner, Elisa (played by Hawkins), at a high-security government laboratory who falls in love with a captured part-human, part-amphibian creature. Now, it is a race against time and American and Russian foes alike to save this beautiful creature from a brutal death. Does Elisa succeed? Watch the film to find out.
CAST
MY THOUGHTS
Sally Hawkins delivers a heartfelt performance in del Toro’s The Shape of Water. Hawkins deftly brings out her character’s loneliness and later, helplessness when confronted with the knowledge of what is going to happen to the creature she has fallen in love with.
She is ably supported by a talented ensemble cast. However, I felt, Octavia Spencer had nothing new to offer. Zelda was a similar kind of role she had played in The Help.
The film’s strengths are its splendid CGI effects and an unusual concept that is executed superbly. Well, not so much as unusual but it is rather an ethereal treatment of old wine in a new bottle. The classic princess-meets-the-prince story is given a twist by introducing sci-fi elements. Further, the princess being a mute person results in an emotional film.
It is a romantic, fantasy, musical film with nods to some Hollywood greats. There are some beautiful scenes especially at the beginning and the end that adds a surreal touch to this dark movie. I, especially, loved the dance between the creature and Elsa.
Verdict: Watchable
If you need a quick watch to make you forget the current situation we are in, watch The Shape of Water.
Definitely agree that it was watchable. I saw it in theaters and wasn’t all the way sure how I felt about it, but I might have to give it another go when I’m in my own space so I can really digest it.
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I agree, Andrew. After I watched it, I was like, was it really deserving of an Oscar? But the movie remained in my mind for a long time, especially the beautiful visuals. So, I guess, it is a good movie. Thanks for visiting my blog. 🙂
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You’re welcome! And I’m going to have to check it out again
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🙂
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Nice review… Definitely gonna watch it!
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Happy to help! Thanks for visiting. 🙂
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I’m really inspired along with your writing skills and also with the structure to your blog. Is this a paid theme or did you modify it yourself? Anyway keep up the excellent quality writing, it’s rare to peer a nice weblog like this one these days.
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Oh I loved this one! I thought Hawkins did a phenomenal job with her character – so amazing to see how much emotion she insert into her performance without saying a word. Though I’m kind of with you re: Zelda. Wish she had a *bit* more depth.
Also, I totally didn’t expect it to win Best Picture at the Oscar’s, so that was a lovely surprise. 🙂
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I love to interact with you so much, Kathy. 🙂 Overall, it was a good film thanks to a dazzling performance by Hawkins. Like you, I was also surprised it won the Best Picture award.
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Great review. I think I will pass. I like the poster picture, tough. 😉
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Thanks, Lu, for reading. It’s okay if you don’t watch this one. It’s a little bit slow-paced so, might not suit everyone’s tastes. 🙂
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This is my first time hearing about this movie. It sounds so different! Something I would definitely be interested in trying. What platform did you watch it on?
Thank you for sharing your review!
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I watched it on Amazon Prime. I hope you like it as much as I did. It’s a little bit slow, but if you are patient, you’ll love it. 🙂
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Thank you! We have Prime so I’ll definitely check it out.
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Sure! Let me know your thoughts on it.
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Will do!
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I’ve heard a GREAT deal about this movie. But I have yet to watch it. Great review Debjani! I certainly do need a good movie to distract me right now. Would let you know if I liked it ❤
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Sure, will wait eagerly for your opinion on this one. 🙂 Thanks for reading, Anushka.
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I enjoyed this one 🙂 And I completely agree, the visual effects are the crowning glory, especially the iconic underwater scene.
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Yes, it takes the film to a whole new level. Thanks for reading and commenting, Mogsy. 🙂
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Thanks for your excellent review, Debjani💜 I think I’ll watch this the next time it shows up.
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Sure, don’t miss it, Jonetta. It was a good film and even won the Oscar for the Best Picture.
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I can’t believe I haven’t watched this yet, and I have the book and I haven’t read that either!
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Can’t say about the book, but the film is good, Tammy. If you find the time, watch it. 🙂
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I haven’t watched this but it sounds interesting. Great review!
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Thanks for your appreciation. 🙂 It’s not your run-of-the-mill film. Hopefully, you’ll enjoy it as much as I did.
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Loved this film x
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Me too. 🙂 It was so surreal and romantic.
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