Review: ‘The Shape of Water’ Is a Magnificent Feast for the Eyes

Victoria Stuewe ’20 / Emertainment Monthly Assistant Movies Editor
There are few words that can adequately describe The Shape of Water. Unique. Imaginative. Beautiful. Captivating. Though these words do work well, none fully capture the essence of Guillermo del Toro’s newest film. Gorgeous art direction, fantastic casting, creative storytelling – all of these make The Shape of Water a force to be reckoned with and, quite possibly, one of the best of the year.
Though a simple and well-told story, the way del Toro wove the story into the masterpiece that it is is what makes the film remarkable. The film follows Elisa (Sally Hawkins), a mute woman who works as a maid in a laboratory. She spends her relatively unremarkable days with her fellow maid and friend, Zelda (Octavia Spencer), at work and her neighbor, Giles (Richard Jenkins), at home. One day, however, the lab receives a mysterious “asset” (Doug Jones) from Colonel Richard Strickland (Michael Shannon) that is being kept behind locked doors. Despite its secrecy, Elisa eventually discovers what this “asset” actually is: an amphibious, yet somewhat humanoid creature.
The Shape of Water has a type of cohesion seldom seen in many other films today. From the first scene, every piece of the film, from the intriguing set design to the costumes to the glorious and playful score by Alexandre Desplat, works together in such a gorgeous and impeccable way that it’s a wonder how del Toro was able to make a film so enjoyable to watch. Though it does have its intense moments, watching never diverts from its imaginative story.
Del Toro’s vision is fully realized throughout the film and his distinct signature is present altogether. His touch of surrealism combined with his beautiful sense of style allows the film to go beyond a typical fantasy film and into a new fairy tale classic. Though apparently simple, the details are thoroughly complex and one can tell the amount of time put into the making of the film.
But is this a bad thing? Does this make The Shape of Water a disappointment?
Not in the slightest.
Though few words can truly encapsulate the experience that is watching The Shape of Water, it is quite clear that del Toro created a film that was much needed this year; a film for one to fully and completely escape.
Overall Grade: A-
Watch The Trailer:
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFYWazblaUA[/embedyt]