The Shape of Water (2017)

The Shape of Water poster

"A fairy tale for troubled times."

Movie · 2017 · 2h 3m · Released · Rated R · Drama, Fantasy, Romance

Synopsis

An other-worldly story, set against the backdrop of Cold War era America circa 1962, where a mute janitor working at a lab falls in love with an amphibious man being held captive there and devises a plan to help him escape.

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The Shape of Water trailer

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Streaming availability via JustWatch

Cast

  • Sally Hawkins as Elisa Esposito
  • Michael Shannon as Richard Strickland
  • Richard Jenkins as Giles
  • Octavia Spencer as Zelda Fuller
  • Michael Stuhlbarg as Dr. Robert Hoffstetler
  • Doug Jones as Amphibian Man
  • David Hewlett as Fleming
  • Nick Searcy as General Hoyt
  • Stewart Arnott as Bernard
  • Nigel Bennett as Mihalkov

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BingeNext's take

If you're in the mood for a beautifully strange love story with a touch of fantasy, The Shape of Water is a great pick. Set in the early 1960s during the Cold War, it follows a mute janitor who forms an unexpected bond with an amphibious creature kept in a secret lab. The film feels like a quiet, emotional journey, with Sally Hawkins delivering a heartfelt performance that draws you in without many words. It’s perfect for anyone who enjoys romance that’s a little off the beaten path, blending drama and fantasy in a way that’s both tender and suspenseful. Watching it feels like stepping into a dream where love crosses all kinds of boundaries, and the supporting cast adds depth to the story’s rich atmosphere. If you liked movies that mix the unusual with emotional storytelling, this one will stick with you.

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