The Shape of Water

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The Shape of Water

R

Released Dec 22, 2017

2h 3m

Fantasy

Romance

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

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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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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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

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

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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

JD Duran

InSession Film

Guillermo del Toro’s The Shape of Water is a beautiful and fully realized film about loneliness and our desire for love.

Aug 7, 2024

Full Review

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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

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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

Jarrod N

I am not into sci fi, so I’m conscious this was influence my review. But, I actually enjoyed this movie and the story line and cinematography. Wouldn’t watch again, but enjoyed it!

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

07/24/25

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Dennis T

A weird romance between a human and a fish, beautiful movie but made me uncomfortable at times.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

07/16/25

Full Review

Nick R

It's visually well done, and Guillermo makes art out of it easily. But it's still too hard to get past the fact that a woman in love with a man-fish-thing.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

07/08/25

Full Review

Hunter G.

Beautiful movie that is very well directed!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/21/25

Full Review

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Guillermo del Toro

Director

Sally Hawkins

Elisa Esposito

Michael Shannon

Richard Strickland

Richard Jenkins

Giles

Octavia Spencer

Zelda Fuller

Michael Stuhlbarg

Dr. Robert Hoffstetler

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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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