Logan Sork Film Reviews
The Shape of Water
Guillermo Del Toro is one of the most talented filmmakers working today. Known for his modern fantasy films such as Hellboy (2004), Pan’s Labyrinth (2006) and Crimson Peak (2015), Del Toro is able to craft visually stunning and fantastic stories while grounding them in the real world to make the message of the film more thought provoking. With The Shape of Water, Del Toro once again demonstrates this talent with one of his best films yet. With stunning production designs, brilliant direction, powerful performances and a heartfelt story both above and below the surface, The Shape of Water is a masterpiece of fantasy filmmaking.
The Shape of Water is written and directed by Guillermo Del Toro and stars Sally Hawkins, Octavia Spencer, Doug Jones, Richard Jenkins and Michael Shannon. The story is set in a coastal town in 1960’s America. Within the town is a military lab where various tests and experiments are carried out and where Elisa (Hawkins), a mute woman, works with her friend Zelda (Spencer) as a nightshift janitor. While working her shift one night, she witnesses a strange container being brought in, overseen by the ruthless Agent Strickland (Shannon). Upon further investigation, she learns that an amphibian man (Jones) is being held prisoner within the tank and being used for government experimentation. Over the next few nights, Elisa begins to communicate with the creature and show him kindness, resulting in a strong bond forming between them. This causes Elisa to hatch a plan to break the creature out of the facility in order to save him before the government’s experiments kill him.
Like all of Del Toro’s previous films, the set pieces, costumes and cinematography are all gorgeous. The set designs in particular do a lot to help create this world. They are as unique as the story, which itself is a modern-day spin on classical fairytales. With that in mind, the set designs not only recreate the iconography of the American 1960’s, but also add fantastical elements as well. The use of color and how it coordinates to each perspective character also adds some nice touches that help deepen the films symbolism and subtle messages. This technical expertise can also bee found in other various elements of the film including the costume design, music, makeup and atmospheric lighting.
Of course, any film can look pretty. Thankfully, The Shape of Water is so much more than pretty images, with great characters and performances to boast. When it comes to the performances, everyone in the cast is excellent. Sally Hawkins never speaks a word throughout the film seeing as her character is mute, however, this doesn’t top her from giving a powerful performance as she communicates all of her emotions perfectly without the need to utter a single word. Octavia Spencer is also excellent, bringing the film some great comedic elements. Another standout is Richard Jenkins as Elisa’s neighbor, whose character adds a surprising layer to the film that I did not see coming. Michael Shannon is just as menacing as he always is, but here he brings a certain sympathetic quality to Strickland’s character, hinting at a small sliver of humanity that is hidden underneath the fear and power his character exudes. In the end, everyone gives a top-notch performance, bringing the film up several more levels in terms of quality.
Despite all of these fantastic elements, it’s not the production design or the high caliber performances that make this film as great as it is. What truly makes The Shape of Water special is its unique story and the way it juggles many social issues and messages beautifully. The concept of a woman falling in love with a fishman is pretty ridiculous when you first hear about it. However, the film takes its time to develop an odd yet charming relationship between our tow leads, leading to a rather odd yet sweet romance. This film has one of the oddest yet believable and sweet romances in all of cinema.
When you take a look beneath the surface, the film is very dense when it comes to different messages and ideas, yet not overwhelming. It has a lot to say and says it in a way that doesn’t come across as pretentious or annoying. Various issues including gender politics, race relations, expectations of society and many more are addressed in this film. Each topic is explored in a nuanced manner that doesn’t get in the way of the story yet improves the film both on and beneath the surface. And while the messages are arguably one sided, the way in which they are presented is perfect.
The Shape of Water has it all. Great direction, great production design and technical elements, great performances and characters and most importantly- a great story with plenty of depth to keep you thinking long after the film is over. This is one of those rare films that just hits all the marks and is one of the best films in recent years. While some people may struggle to get over the concept, those who do will find an excellent cinematic experience.
10/10