Writers: Guillermo del Toro, Vanessa Taylor
DOP: Dan Laustsen
Cast: Sally Hawkins, Michael Shannon, Richard Jenkins, Doug Jones, Michael Stuhlbarg, Octavia Spencer
At a top secret research facility in the 1960s, a lonely and mute janitor forms a unique relationship with an amphibious creature that is being held in captivity.
Guillermo del Toro made his mark initially with the Spanish horror films that he made which culminated with Pan's Labyrinth, which was more like a horror film masquerading as a children's fantasy, that made him known to the wider audience after its success at the Oscars. I haven't actually seen any of his films post that which are more known for their production design. The shape of water is no different and it has got a pretty basic plot to go with it but through some really established characters. What makes it interesting is the genres that it touches on and del Toro's brief but bloody and brutal flourishes. Michael Shannon is playing a typical Michael Shannon role but that doesn't matter because he is so good at it. Rest of the cast does a great job including Doug Jones, who also played that dude from Pan's Labyrinth. They didn't go Dr. Manhattan with him though even though it is R-Rated and they had a convenient biological excuse for it which they address. It is set in a Cold War 60s research facility and it is highly recommended that you watch with the best possible print that you can get. It reminded me of Predestination's retro and clean look.
Overall it is a great watch even though it is not as affecting as 'Pan's Labyrinth'. It has received 13 Oscar nominations and is one of the favorites for winning Best Picture. I am rooting for 'Get Out' and 'Three Billboards', both of which I enjoyed more and has more of a rewatch value. Guillermo del Toro's films are generally ones that you wouldn't be that keen to revisit even though you enjoy them.
Rating: 4/5
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