Good, But Not Picture Of The Year...

Rating: 10/10 (24 May 2018)

As a huge fan of Guillermo del Toro and the Hellboy universe; I expected to love this movie, and I did. And yes, I did just claim that this movie is related to the Hellboy universe. I thought this movie was going to be a little more Sci-Fi/Fantasy than Drama/Romance. The idea was great; a little strange, but anything can happen in Hollywood nowadays. A lot of critics are praising this movie, and I can see why, but so much fame was put on this movie that some movies didn't get the spotlight it deserved. I think Edgar Wright should've got the Oscar for directing in Baby Driver, but it's just my opinion. I really couldn't find any problems in this movie; and I tried really hard to find just one issue. The pacing is good, the directing is good, the music was good, etc. Honestly The Shape of Water isn't really my cup of tea, but I can Respect it.
Story: 10/10
The story is unique and different, which is surprising; due to how long the movie business has been going. The idea that a woman falls in love with another creature can be a little strange, but the story was written so well that it kinda makes it normal; which is even more strange. The message of the story is kind of a cliche though; that you can fall in love with anyone or anything, and no one can stop you. This movie is 2 hours long and it's a Drama, so I expected to be bored, but I was always entertained. The storytelling and pacing always kept the movie on it's tracks, and it never leans to much into different subplots. Some of the subplots are great: Some are mysterious, some add to the story, and some make the characters more interesting. I liked how the story reveals itself more and more whenever Elisa finds out more and more. Overall, the story is interesting, the subplots are used perfectly, and the pacing leads to a great climax.
Characters: 10/10
In order for you to have a good Drama, you have to have good characters, and that's why this movie is a good Drama. The two main characters (Elisa and Amphibian Man) don't talk, so you have to make them likable, but use no dialogue. Elisa's relationship with Amphibian Man improves both characters, and makes them more "likable". The antagonist was done well. I enjoyed Michael Shannon's performance a lot, maybe a little too much. He makes his character so frightening and vulnerable at the same time, sometimes having a vulnerable antagonist can improve the character itself. The supporting cast was good too. No one really stood out, but they were likable, like Giles (Richard Jenkins) and Zelda (Octavia Spencer). Giles plays an important role in the story as Elisa's neighbor and best friend. Giles is a rather interesting character; being a struggling movie poster artist in a changing world. Zelda plays a role similar to Giles; she's Elisa's best friend too. Overall, the Main and supporting characters are well done, and the antagonist is easily hateable.
Action: 10/10
This movie has colorful settings in a rather dark world. The settings are so interesting and surprisingly colorful. The teal backdrop of this world adds flavour in this dull world. I could never get over how colorful this dark movie is. The direction and production design is out of this world. Some of the sets and scenes are just so interesting to look at, and I really have to respect the production designers. The music is great and eerie which represents the entire feel of the movie. The pacing is great and it really foreshadows the climax. Not much CGI is used, and sometimes in order to make a creature look real; you have to make it CGI, but the costume design was great and they really did make Amphibian Man look real. Overall, there was a lot of time spent on this movie, with great directing, production design, and costume design.
Overall, The shape of Water is a great drama. I could tell there was a lot of time spent on this movie, and it paid off. This movie is a 100% 10/10. There was no flaws whatsoever. The story was entertaining and unique, and it delivered a cliche message, but it delivered it greatly. The characters are amazing; they all played a part in this movie. All of the characters are likable, except for the villain, which is a good thing. The directing and production design is top notch. Although The Shape of Water really isn't my type of movie, I still have to respect it for doing such a great job. I strongly recommend The Shape of Water, it's a perfect Drama and a good Fantasy movie.