The Shape of Water

One genre Hollywood hasn't mass produced to death is that of the fantasy one. There have been many fantasies created, however it has decreased through the years. Until Guillermo del Toro came on the scene, fantasy films were waning. Through the popularity of del Toro's "Pan's Labyrinth", the fantasy has become, again, popular. Now we have "The Shape of Water" in the offing and is every bit as interesting and creative as "Pan's Labyrinth".

From master storyteller Guillermo del Toro comes a story of an otherworldly fable that, in a dark, clever way, connects fantasy and reality. A mute cleaning lady, Elisa Esposito (Sally Hawkins) working in a secret U.S. government lab in a Cold War era 1962 befriends an otherworldly aquatic creature/man (Doug Jones) who's being held there against his will. In time, she and her friends, Niles (Richard Jenkins) and Zelda Fuller (Octavia Spencer) decide to help it escape from captivity, even if it means risking the wrath of a ruthless G-man, Richard Strickland (Michael Shannon).

Others to round out the cast are Michael Stuhlbarg as Dr. Robert Hoffstetler, David Hewlett as Fleming, Nick Searcy as General Hoyt, Stewart Arnott as Bernard, Nigel Bennett as Mihalkov, Lauren Lee Smith as Elaine Strickland, wife of Richard, Martin Roach as Brewster Fuller, Zelda's husband, Allegra Fulton as Yolanda, John Kapelos as Mr. Arzoumanian and Morgan Kelly as Pie Guy.

It was magically directed by visionary Guillermo del Toro ("Blade II '02, "Hellboy" '04, "Pan's Labyrinth" '06, "Hellboy: The Golden Army" '08, "Pacific Rim" '13, "Crimson Peak" '15) plus others and TV. After reviewing this filmmaker's resume, I consider him the adult fairy tale storyteller. There are fairy tales for children, but really none for adults--it's like this guy tapped into an area that once didn't exist. If you like this filmmaker's brand of direction, both "Pinocchio" and "Nightmare Alley" have been announced. It was brilliantly written by del Toro ("Hellboy" '04, "Pan's Labyrinth" '06, "Pacific Rim" '13, "Crimson Peak" '15) plus others and Vanessa Taylor ("Hope Springs" '12, "Divergent" '14) plus others, based on a story by del Toro. The pace and staging simply lends itself toward that fairy tale setting and coupled with the darker photography, this is a stunner. Other than a very slow area of this film getting started, once it did, it moved to a point that would keep its audience peeled to the screen. The cinematography by Dan Lausten, dff ("Brotherhood of the Wolf" '01, "Darkness Falls" '03, "Silent Hill" '06, "Deliver Us from Evil" '09, "Almost Perfect" '12, "John Wick: Chapter 2" '17) plus many others and TV definitely lends itself to that dark, adult fairy tale feel that del Toro always strives to woo his audience with. This guy could be nominated come Oscar time, as could Shannon, Hawkins and for best picture.

 

I'm a bit bias in that I have a true respect for del Toro's work--both writing and directing, so with this, it's difficult to objectively review this. As stated aforementioned, there is one very small slow area, but other than that, this film rocks--for its quirky, dark storyline, its directing, writing and acting. If you appreciate fine filmmaking, this is the film for you.

 

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                    Rated: R                                      123mins.