Working at a top-secret U.S. government lab during the Cold War as a cleaning lady, Elisa stumbles upon a captured amphibious creature. Her curiosity causes her to befriend the creature and they develop an unusual relationship.
Sally Hawkins (Elisa), Doug Jones (Amphibian Man), Octavia Spencer (Zelda), Michael Shannon (Strickland), Richard Jenkins (Giles), Michael Stuhlbarg (Dr. Hoffstetler), David Hewlett (Fleming), Nick Searcy (Gen. Hoyt).
Set in the early 1960's, The Shape of Water begins by showing us Elisa's life as someone unable to speak from a young age due to unexplained scarring on her neck. Next the film briefly explains that Strickland traveled to South America to capture Amphibian Man, who has both lungs and gills which may hold the key to space travel. Then Elisa and Amphibian Man are put together and develop a relationship. The remainder of the film is an exploration of their relationship as Elisa tries to save him from government experimentation.
Acting was pretty good with Hawkins delivering a solidly emotional performance. Spencer and Jenkins also invested some good energy in this one. Shannon fit his role nicely and delivered well, as did the remainder of the supporting cast. Jones also did nicely as evidenced by comparing his dancing scene to the rest of the film.
Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were well done with exceptional detail and fit. Costuming was excellent and CGI was blended into the film seamlessly. Dialogue was enjoyable though there was quite a bit in the film that was unexplained. Sound and soundtrack are solid.
While The Shape of Water is a solid Fantasy Romance, I don't think it quite deserved the awards received. The story has plenty of plot holes which del Toro allows to exist despite many slow or pointless scenes which could have been used to better explain the storyline. Those who enjoy mild yet unusual Fantasy films with a romantic focus should enjoy this one.
With plenty of nudity, fairly explicit sexuality, violence, gore, foul language, and some intense adult situations, save this one for the oldest teens and above.
Released: 2017
Reviewed: 5.11.18
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Fantasy, Drama, Adventure, Romance, Sci-Fi
copyright ©2018 Dave Riedel
Sally Hawkins (Elisa), Doug Jones (Amphibian Man), Octavia Spencer (Zelda), Michael Shannon (Strickland), Richard Jenkins (Giles), Michael Stuhlbarg (Dr. Hoffstetler), David Hewlett (Fleming), Nick Searcy (Gen. Hoyt).
Set in the early 1960's, The Shape of Water begins by showing us Elisa's life as someone unable to speak from a young age due to unexplained scarring on her neck. Next the film briefly explains that Strickland traveled to South America to capture Amphibian Man, who has both lungs and gills which may hold the key to space travel. Then Elisa and Amphibian Man are put together and develop a relationship. The remainder of the film is an exploration of their relationship as Elisa tries to save him from government experimentation.
Acting was pretty good with Hawkins delivering a solidly emotional performance. Spencer and Jenkins also invested some good energy in this one. Shannon fit his role nicely and delivered well, as did the remainder of the supporting cast. Jones also did nicely as evidenced by comparing his dancing scene to the rest of the film.
Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were well done with exceptional detail and fit. Costuming was excellent and CGI was blended into the film seamlessly. Dialogue was enjoyable though there was quite a bit in the film that was unexplained. Sound and soundtrack are solid.
While The Shape of Water is a solid Fantasy Romance, I don't think it quite deserved the awards received. The story has plenty of plot holes which del Toro allows to exist despite many slow or pointless scenes which could have been used to better explain the storyline. Those who enjoy mild yet unusual Fantasy films with a romantic focus should enjoy this one.
With plenty of nudity, fairly explicit sexuality, violence, gore, foul language, and some intense adult situations, save this one for the oldest teens and above.
Released: 2017
Reviewed: 5.11.18
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Fantasy, Drama, Adventure, Romance, Sci-Fi
copyright ©2018 Dave Riedel
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