(spoiler free)
Whilst ‘Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri’ has been picking up the most awards, it’s definitely been ‘The Shape of Water’ which has been talked about more this awards season. The buzz has been massive for Guillermo del Toro’s latest directorial effort in which a mute cleaner (Sally Hawkins) befriends a captured aquatic creature (Doug Jones) at the government facility she works at. Appropriately released into UK cinemas this Valentine’s Day, audiences can now immerse themselves in this romantic fairy tale in their nearest theathre.
The film features a wonderful ensemble cast of which any of the performers could be, and some of which have been, nominated for awards in their respective categories. Much of the conversation about the film has been over Sally Hawkins and it’s easy to see why. She’s utterly fantastic here as Elisa, conveying so much and hardly ever even making a sound in doing so. Furthermore, the relationships she has with her co-stars only enhances the on screen drama. Elisa’s friendships with fellow cleaner, Zelda (Octavia Spencer) & next door neighbour, Giles (Richard Jenkins) are a delight to watch. Spencer & Jenkins are both tremendous in their roles and often are responsible for the majority of the humour in the film, of which there is plenty. So whilst there’s ample amount of characters to like there’s also a completely despicable villian to hate, Colonel Strickland, portrayed by the brilliant Michael Shannon. He’s abusive of his power, intimidating to no end and determined to get what he wants, all of which Shannon nails creating a menacing presence and a memorable villain. Other performers also starring in the film include Michael Stuhlbarg & Doug Jones who are also valuable assets to the production.
Special mention has to go to those involved in creating the prosthetic & digital effects that eventually brought Doug Jones’s performance as the creature to life. Much of the success of the story hinged on how this character looked and was able to interact with others and it’s safe to say that all involved have done a stellar job. They’ve made sure that his moments on screen were never questioned and always felt natural, allowing the story to flow freely.
The narrative here is quite special, it takes a classic fairy tale and mashes it up with an old school monster movie. It’s a love story, a comedy and even a heist movie all at once. The romantic element to the film will be many viewers favourite aspect of this film. It’s well explained and it’s hard not to get on board with Hawkin’s portrayal of love for the creature. However, the film certainly leaves little to the imagination and some more mainstream audiences might not be quite ready for this, although I suppose any story of forbidden love is somewhat going to have this effect, but let’s just say it’s graphic and leave it at that. Nonetheless even without the romantic plot it would still be a great film. Every aspect of the story is engaging in some way. Whether it fascinates, makes you laugh or shocks it’s rare not to be engaged whilst watching, maybe apart from a slight lull in the films mid section. However, the finale more than makes up for this with it’s dramatic conclusion. So even if romance isn’t your thing there are countless other elements to ‘The Shape of Water’ to enjoy but it will be this central romance that brings it the most affection from audiences.
Guillermo del Toro has added yet another notable entry into his filmography with ‘The Shape of Water’ and it’s great to see it receiving the attention it deserves. del Toro tells so many stories within the grander narrative, giving each character the right amount of attention and allowing them to contribute their best to the story. Edited together beautifully and strung together by Alexandre Desplat’s delightful score ‘The Shape of Water’ will forever be remembered and celebrated in romantic cinema.
Written by Hamish Calvert
Rating – 8/10
Question: What is your favourite Guillermo del Toro film?
(Leave your answers in the comments section below!)
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