The Shape of Water

Director: Guillermo del Toro
Cast: Sally Hawkins, Michael Shannon, Richard Jenkins, Octavia Spencer
Mute janitor Elisa is working at a government secret research facility when the latest specimen is brought in: an amphibious man. The creature is mistreated in the course of the “research” and Elisa instantly feels bad.
Slowly, the two start to build a secret bond in a series of secret meetings in the room where the creature is kept in a tank and bond over boiled eggs and music.
When Elisa mistakenly listens in on a meeting she discovers that the researchers have decided that they are not learning enough from the creature which they took away from its natural habitat in the Amazon river where he was considered a god.
The decision is made to cut into it and get a proper look  into what makes it such a singular creature. Elisa quickly sets in motion a plan to free the creature, who she has fallen in love with in the course of their encounters.
Guillermo del Toro’s ‘The Shape of Water’ is one of the favourites in the run up to the Academy Awards (4 March). It is the film that has received most nominations at all of the different awards ceremonies. And there is no doubt why – ‘The Shape of Water’ is a very special film.
Despite its imperfections, it is an enchanting tale of love and loneliness. All of the main characters have certain elements that have removed them from society and made them lead a lonely existence: Elisa is mute, her best friend Giles is gay and the creature world seem monstrous to most people because of its appearance.
In each other they find a strong kinship, the consequence of which is that they go above and beyond to ensure that they are all safe. The love story between Elisa and the creature will without a doubt pull at your heartstrings.
Sally Hawkins’ performance in this film is truly inspired. She plays a mute and yet with her gestures and facial expressions she manages to perfectly convey the extreme vulnerability and innocence of her character. This is most probably one of the most original performances this year.
Octavia Spencer has to be one of the best supporting actresses in history. With just a few scenes and lines she manages to not draw the limelight away from the main character while letting her acting talent shine through. Richard Jenkins performance is also superb and Michael Shannon plays the creepy-evil antagonist to perfection.
‘The Shape of Water’ is a truly beautiful and quirky watch. The cinematography, acting and soundtrack work together in harmony to deliver an extremely well-crafted production that will leave you thinking about it for many hours after you’ve finished watching it.
> Naomi Round