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'The Shape of Water' Review: A Magical Kind of Love Story
BY Mikah Cutts
Published 7 years ago
Regarded as a very eye-opening film, “The Shape of Water,” directed by Guillermo del Toro, has gained quite the popularity in awards—for instance, the Best Original Score and Best Director in the Golden Globe Awards this 2018. It’s a classic tale of human falling in love with a creature. Wonder what made it such a success? It’s a technique called incredible storytelling.
The Cinematic Flow of ‘The Shape of Water’
Something is enchanting about this magical fairytale that just lures people in. Aside from its “Beauty and the Beast”-esque plot where maid Eliza Esposito (Sally Hawkins) is Belle, and Amphibian man (Doug Jones) is the Beast, the writers of “The Shape of Water” included a twist of their own—the protagonist is mute. The story behind her lost voice is vaguely revealed to us when the main antagonist, Colonel Richard Strickland (Michael Shannon) reads from Eliza’s company profile that she was maimed probably during her Foster home days as she was an orphan. The wound left three scars on the side of her neck—which look a lot like fish gills to everyone else, given the topic of the film.
Kerry Hayes/Fox Searchlight Pictures
We begin our first act by getting to know our protagonist—she’s got a strict routine, that’s for sure. But aside from this, we get a glimpse of her kind heart as she’s good friends with her neighbors; and one of them, is her best friend, Giles (Richard Jenkins). When nightfall rolls in, she dons on her cleaning lady uniform and enters a very tight-security type of government facility—with all the big spotlights and windowless walls.
Kerry Hayes/Fox Searchlight Pictures
Speaking of which, with the impressive physical set design, the computer-generated effects also did an excellent job at enhancing the vintage feel of the film. It’s as if we are convinced that “The Shape of Water” isn’t just a fairytale—it’s based on actual events. And that’s not too far off to consider. Because while the story circles around a highly-intellectual fish-human who is likely from the lost city of Atlantis, every other element fell into place.
Kerry Hayes/Fox Searchlight Pictures
In other words, from dress codes to soundtracks, to tap dancing to Cadillacs—we are definitely looking at the 1960’s here. Even the political issues discussed in the film were current events that were relevant to the time set—discrimination, Russians, Astronauts in space. All of which contribute to the building up to the story; precisely, the conflict. The apparent complication aside, situations are surrounding the story that excites the tension—and this is what makes it exciting.
A Love Story
Although this two-hour long drama is all things fantastical, magical and almost dreamlike, the bottom line is that it’s still a story about two beings falling in love. Despite their startling differences that are in no way easily solvable, “The Shape of Water’s” lovebirds still have something in common—the mutual understanding that makes them compatible. It’s easy to fall in love with the story because the protagonist is easy to like despite being unable to speak. Meanwhile, her love interest is beautiful, surreal creature with funny little quirks (and with a killer body type too). It’s a match made in heaven!
Fox Searchlight Pictures
As mentioned, aside from other complications facing Eliza and her Aqua-lover, the biggest, most heartbreaking but obvious battle was the moment when Eliza decided to let him go finally. It’s a moment of predicting whether or not Amphibian man gains his freedom and a happy ending, or Col. Richard’s rotting hand catches up with them. But because this is a Golden Globe Award Recipient and many more, the conclusion isn’t just any other ending. In fact, you can call it an incredible one.
Fox Searchlight Pictures
There is so much more to “The Shape of Water” that needs thorough discussion. It’s a worthwhile watch and a touching love story. Granted there’s a familiarity with the plot and the flow of events on the story, but the enigmatic vibe just keeps us on the edge of our seats.
If you haven’t fallen in love yet, here’s a sweet poem from the film:
Unable to perceive the shape of You
I find You all around me,
Your presence fills my eyes with your love,
It humbles my heart;
For You are everywhere.
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