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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

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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 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 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 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 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 Full Review 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 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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