The Shape of Water (2017)

“The Shape of Water” is a 2017 romantic fantasy drama film directed by Guillermo del Toro. The movie stars Sally Hawkins, Michael Shannon, Richard Jenkins, Doug Jones, and Octavia Spencer in leading roles.

Synopsis:

“The Shape of Water” is set in 1962 Baltimore and follows the story of Elisa Esposito (Sally Hawkins), a mute janitor who works at a secret government laboratory. Elisa becomes intrigued by a mysterious amphibian creature (Doug Jones) that is being held captive at the lab and develops a relationship with the creature. As Elisa's feelings for the creature deepen, she begins to hatch a plan to free it from the laboratory and protect it from harm.

Review:

“The Shape of Water” received critical acclaim upon its release, with many praising the film's unique blend of romance, fantasy, and drama. The movie was lauded for its stunning visuals, rich storytelling, and powerful performances by the cast. Sally Hawkins, in particular, was widely praised for her portrayal of Elisa, with critics noting her ability to convey emotion and nuance despite her character's lack of dialogue. The film's themes of love, acceptance, and humanity were also highlighted as key strengths, with many critics noting the relevance of these themes in today's world.

Awards:

“The Shape of Water” won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director for Guillermo del Toro, Best Original Score, and Best Production Design. The film also won the Golden Lion at the 74th Venice International Film Festival and the Golden Globe Award for Best Director. Additionally, it won the Critics' Choice Movie Award for Best Picture and the Producers Guild of America Award for Best Theatrical Motion Picture, among numerous other accolades.