The Shape of Water

As the cold war is warming up janitors Elisa and Zelda (Sally Hawkins and Octavia Spencer) are two friends working inside a government research facility in the 1960’s, an unfulfilling and dead end job. But, when tough guy Richard Strickland (Michael Shannon) arrives with a strange amphibious creature (Doug Jones) for further study, an unlikely and fulfilling relationship is made. Directed by Guillermo del Toro this buffet of cinematic beauty combines the cinematography of Dan Laustsen, the music of Alexandre Desplat, and the creative writing brain of Guillermo del Toro and Vanessa Taylor. End result, the creation of a stunning film aimed at whimsy, entertainment, and relevant political discourse regarding race, sexuality, and military action. This twist on a classic fairy tale sits nicely with del Toro’s catalog of monsters and creatures supported by a well toned ensemble of talent performers. Worthy of your entertainment dollar, The Shape of Water is rated R.