Movie Review: The Shape of Water (2017)

Rating: 10/10 (7 March 2018)

Guillermo del Toro is one of the greatest filmmakers of the past 20 years, his resume is nothing but amazing. Del Toro has written and directed so many cinematic greats ranging from his video game contributions to his TV and feature length films.
The Shape of Water is no different than his other amazing features. This film has been referenced as the "unofficial" sequel to "The Creature from the Black Lagoon" and this reviewer must agree. Visually and story wise this film is beautiful in every aspect. Del Toro nailed it with this film, it not only has the horror element but it also brings the romantic and dramatic element as well which appeases the cinephile in all of us. This film creates a time warp bringing the audience back into the 1960's by paying tribute to early Argento with the individual colour schemes, as well as bringing back the feel of the old school films that many nowadays have almost forgotten.
The acting in Del Toro's film have always been top notch, this film is no exception. The casting of this film is nothing short of amazing, starting with Sally Hawkins and Octavia Spencer who without this film couldn't have been a success that it was. Both women made Oscar winning performances, especially Ms. Hawkins who didn't speak a hardly a line of dialogue and alongside monster master Doug Jones made a truly romantic match in cinematic heaven. Richard Jenkins was also an amazing support cast member to this story. Michael Shannon could not have been cast better, he has such a way about bringing villains to life on the big screen. Shannon and Jones are such amazing actors and in my opinion should have gotten more screen time.
Everything down to the set decorations, the music, the cinematography couldn't have been better. This film was so much more than a monster movie...it was a romantic drama as well with a splash of the old school flare than many filmmakers nowadays have forgotten about.
If you haven't gotten a chance to see this film, do yourself a favour and buy this film on DVD or 4K I promise you, you won't regret it.