It is the 1960s, and Elisa Esposito (Sally Hawkins – Godzilla, Blue Jasmine) works a top secret research facility, as a janitor. Save for her work friends Zelda Fuller (Octavia Spencer – Hidden Figures, Zootopia) she is lonely. Elisa forms a unique relationship with an amphibious creature (Doug Jones – Crimson Peak) that is being held by the military and scientists, for study.
From writer / directors Guillermo del Toro (Pacific Rim), comes drama and adventure, with a hint of mystery, fantasy, science fiction. The Shape of Water find that rare balance between genres, where it will appeal to fans of the genres, yet not alienate those who do not frequent films of that sort. The film is a brilliant mix, where the viewer forgets to look for the fake, the fantasy, the story, and lives the emotion with the characters on the screen. And let us not forget the occasional laugh, swinging ones emotions like a pendulum, from sad to happy, from tears to laughter.
The Shape of Water has a love story, it has a story about friendship and being true to one’s self. The film has a spy story, it has fantasy (yet, one is not really aware that one is watching fantasy, with the characters and relationships being so very real, and portrayed with such talent).
The story presents an emotional rollercoaster, guided by the musical score (Alexandre Desplat – Suburbicon, The Light Between Oceans), we side with the underdog, we hate the overbearing and stereotypical.
With an incredible story, great settings and design, masterful acting and filmmaking talent, it is clear to see why The Shape of Water is so prevalent in the 2018 award season.
The Shape of Water is a sure fire hit, a magnificent coming-together of talent and story, and most certainly a film not to miss.
The Shape of Water opens 19 January 2018 in South African cinemas.
