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The Shape of Water

Play trailer 2:20 Poster for The Shape of Water R Released Dec 22, 2017 2h 3m Fantasy Romance Play Trailer Watchlist
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92% Tomatometer 466 Reviews 73% Popcornmeter 25,000+ Ratings
Elisa is a mute, isolated woman who works as a cleaning lady in a hidden, high-security government laboratory in 1962 Baltimore. Her life changes forever when she discovers the lab's classified secret -- a mysterious, scaled creature from South America that lives in a water tank. As Elisa develops a unique bond with her new friend, she soon learns that its fate and very survival lies in the hands of a hostile government agent and a marine biologist.
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The Shape of Water

The Shape of Water

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Critics Consensus

The Shape of Water finds Guillermo del Toro at his visually distinctive best -- and matched by an emotionally absorbing story brought to life by a stellar Sally Hawkins performance.

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Critics Reviews

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Chris Bennion The Times (UK) You’ll either be charmed by Hawkins’s ethereal, wordless performance or you won’t, but del Toro’s use of a vivid colour palette would impress anyone. Feb 14, 2023 Full Review Anupama Chopra Film Companion The Shape of Water is visionary filmmaking. Rated: 4/5 Sep 6, 2018 Full Review Robert Daniels 812filmreviews So, while we know Elisa has humanity, Del Toro has to plead his case for the fish-man. Rated: 3.5/4 Sep 5, 2018 Full Review Don Shanahan Every Movie Has a Lesson Fantastical triumphs of mortal spirit over evil forces are applied to inhuman oddities with jarringly violent consequences. Rated: 4/5 Jul 28, 2025 Full Review Julian Singleton Cinapse This romance is destined to thrive where land and the petty political squabbles upon them stop, where passions run deep in unpredictable waters. Jul 11, 2025 Full Review Preston Barta Denton Record-Chronicle Guillermo del Toro’s enchanting fairy tale comes alive [... in this] seamless blending of practical effects and CGI, showcasing [a] vibrant palette that immerses you in its surreal atmosphere. Jan 15, 2025 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Andrew A it was just a fun story that put a smile on my face. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/01/24 Full Review TheMovieSearch R The Shape of Water, directed by Guillermo del Toro and starring Sally Hawkins, Michael Shannon, and Octavia Spencer, is a film that is as imaginative as it is divisive. It’s a story layered with artistry, atmosphere, and bold choices, all wrapped in the kind of dark fairy tale style that only del Toro can pull off. Guillermo del Toro’s direction is nothing short of masterful. He knows how to weave a story that feels otherworldly yet grounded in real human emotion. The cinematography and lighting are hauntingly beautiful, painting the screen with shadows, muted colors, and a sense of melancholy that fits the narrative perfectly. It’s a film that demands attention and rewards those who surrender to its rhythm. That being said, The Shape of Water is absolutely an acquired taste. For me, while I was invested throughout my first watch, it was not something I could revisit again and again. The central love story between a mute woman and a mysterious amphibious creature is unconventional to say the least. While others may find it touching, moving, and symbolic, for me it was difficult to get behind the idea of intimacy between a woman and a fish-like man. It’s not that the film is “bad”—far from it—it’s simply one of those stories that either resonates deeply or doesn’t quite sit right with you. The performances elevate the material. Sally Hawkins is brilliant, effortlessly shifting between vulnerability, humor, and determination. She makes her character believable and sympathetic even in the strangest moments. Michael Shannon delivers a chilling performance as the antagonist, adding intensity and menace. And Octavia Spencer, as always, brings both heart and strength, providing balance to the darker edges of the story. Ultimately, The Shape of Water is a piece of cinema that I respect more than I personally love. Guillermo del Toro is a visionary director—quirky, bold, and unafraid to dive into the bizarre. His films often leave me impressed but not eager to revisit, and this one is no exception. Still, I recommend that everyone experience it at least once. It’s a unique work of art that pushes boundaries, challenges expectations, and—love it or not—leaves an impression you won’t soon forget. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 09/22/25 Full Review Hector Adrian Q WOW WOW THIS MOVIE IS SO AWESOME 💯😎 I WE LIKE A SECOND PART YOU NEED TO WHACH THIS PICE OF ART 🎨.🍿👍👏❤️👏👏❤️🍷 Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/15/25 Full Review Mirocko B The second best origin story you will ever see. What a film! What a hoot. I will remember this fondly until my days end. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/12/25 Full Review Marcus S What a silly movie this was. Not really a faitytale, not really a dystopian drama. When the woman took sexual advantage of the fish creature, I gave up hoping the characters would display any relatable emotions. The cinematography is nice, and Michael Shannon gives a good performance within the limits of his character. Not worth you time! Rated 1 out of 5 stars 08/05/25 Full Review Tod C You get the best director of our time with the best actress of our time..Sally Hawkins doesn't have to say a word..She absolutely makes this movie..Perfect casting...Doug Jones by the way deserves a lifetime Oscar..The Ice-cream man from Legion..Only Doug Jones could make that so terrifying..One of my favorite movies is Pan's Labyrinth based on Del Toro's imagination..Pacific Rim,Pinocchio..Del Toros imagination..Every time I watch the Shape of Water I find something new hidden..Michael Shannon is the best good or bad guy..Octavia Spencer opposite Sally Hawkins..Perfect casting Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/25/25 Full Review Read all reviews
The Shape of Water

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Movie Info

Synopsis Elisa is a mute, isolated woman who works as a cleaning lady in a hidden, high-security government laboratory in 1962 Baltimore. Her life changes forever when she discovers the lab's classified secret -- a mysterious, scaled creature from South America that lives in a water tank. As Elisa develops a unique bond with her new friend, she soon learns that its fate and very survival lies in the hands of a hostile government agent and a marine biologist.
Director
Guillermo del Toro
Producer
Guillermo del Toro, J. Miles Dale
Screenwriter
Guillermo del Toro, Vanessa Taylor
Distributor
Fox Searchlight
Production Co
TSG Entertainment, Double Dare You
Rating
R (Language|Graphic Nudity|Sexual Content|Violence)
Genre
Fantasy, Romance
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Dec 22, 2017, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Feb 23, 2018
Box Office (Gross USA)
$63.3M
Runtime
2h 3m
Aspect Ratio
Flat (1.85:1)
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