Del Toro creates a magical tale about the shape of Love

Rating: 9/10 (2 May 2018)

What truly makes The Shape of water standout is its treatment and the ingredients making it. It won't be for the first time that someone has chosen to tell a story about a fantasy creature. Yet, what makes TSW different from all the others of its genre is the perspective from which it is told and the things the film-makers have put the focus on.
The Shape of Water is primarily a love story between two completely different species who find the connection due to their inability to speak the language of the humans around them. Now that's something new, isn't it? Finding the connection not because of a common ability but a lacking capacity. This is just one of the things where Del Toro has tried to tell the tale from a new perspective. Backed by the old world charm and the beautiful Gothic yet pleasing production design, it all creates a world of fantasy for you that only has a slight resemblance to the world we live in. When the light flows on Del Toro's frames, it is nothing less than a celebration every time.
Sally Hawkins' character has so much rigor and strength to it that it almost amazes you to notice that people with a voice even can't bring out that much courage to show up when needed. Her will to save the Amphibian Man and the love of her life is almost empowering.
Del Toro and Vanessa Taylor have written the supporting characters also with a heart to it. Though I felt that Octavia Spencer's role was similar to the one she played in 'The Help' but it is Richard Jenkin's character that leave a dent on the audience with his charm and underlying sadness reflecting a life marred by voids. All these characters when come together create a fairy tale effect. I believe that it is loved by the masses because Del Toro at the right places chose to draw the right boundaries keeping the confinement of screenplay to an effective one. You never get bored and even though much isn't said throughout the film, every character stands out with layers to it. A well-deserved Oscar for the best movie.
Visit the Blog:- quickiereviewsmovies.blogspot.com