The Shape of Water (2017)
Guillermo del Toro's Oscar-winning dark fairy tale about love, difference, and humanity set against the shadows of Cold War America.
The Shape of Water - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Shape of Water
- Release Year: 2017
- Directed by: Guillermo del Toro
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Fantasy, Romance
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 2h 3m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English, Russian
- Release Date (Theatrical): December 8, 2017 (Mexico - B-15), December 22, 2017 (United States - R), February 14, 2018 (United Kingdom - 15), February 15, 2018 (Germany - 16), February 21, 2018 (France - TP), February 16, 2018 (India), February 1, 2018 (New Zealand - R16), December 15, 2017 (Australia - MA 15+), February 1, 2018 (Brazil - 16), February 14, 2018 (Italy - VM14), February 13, 2018 (Spain - 12), February 22, 2018 (South Korea - 19), March 16, 2018 (China)
- Alternative Titles: 셰이프 오브 워터_사랑의 모양 (KR), Người Đẹp và Thủy Quái (VN), Suyun Şəkli (AZ), A Forma da Água (BR), Форма воды (RU)
- Production Companies: Double Dare You, Fox Searchlight Pictures, Bull Productions, TSG Entertainment
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Shape of Water - Plot
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.
The Shape of Water - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and discover the world of del Toro's enchanting fairy tale:
A fairy tale for troubled times.
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The Shape of Water - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Guillermo del Toro
Main Cast
- Sally Hawkins
- Michael Shannon
- Richard Jenkins
- Octavia Spencer
- Michael Stuhlbarg
- Doug Jones
- David Hewlett
- Nick Searcy
- Stewart Arnott
- Nigel Bennett
Writers
- Vanessa Taylor
- Guillermo del Toro
Producers
- Guillermo del Toro
- J. Miles Dale
The Shape of Water - FAQs
Where can you watch The Shape of Water?
The Shape of Water is available to stream on Max (HBO Max). It can also be rented or purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Spectrum On Demand also offers it as a rental option.
Did The Shape of Water win the Best Picture Oscar?
Yes. The Shape of Water won four Academy Awards at the 90th Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director for Guillermo del Toro. It was nominated for 13 awards in total, also taking home Best Original Score and Best Production Design.
What is The Shape of Water about?
Set in early 1960s Cold War America, the film follows Elisa, a mute janitor at a government research facility, who forms a profound bond with a mysterious amphibious creature held captive there. Determined to free him, she enlists her closest friends in a daring rescue plan.
Is The Shape of Water based on a true story?
No, The Shape of Water is an original fantasy story conceived by Guillermo del Toro and co-written with Vanessa Taylor. Del Toro has cited the classic monster film Creature from the Black Lagoon as a key inspiration, reimagining the creature as a romantic lead rather than a villain.
Who plays the Amphibian Man in The Shape of Water?
Doug Jones portrays the Amphibian Man. A longtime collaborator of Guillermo del Toro, Jones is renowned for his physical performance work in elaborate creature suits. He previously played Fauno and the Pale Man in del Toro's Pan's Labyrinth, bringing remarkable expressiveness to non-verbal roles.
What is the age rating for The Shape of Water?
The Shape of Water is rated R in the United States. The rating reflects adult content including sexuality, nudity, violence, and strong language. It carries a 15 certificate in the United Kingdom and comparable adult classifications in several other countries.
How long is The Shape of Water?
The Shape of Water has a runtime of 2 hours and 3 minutes (123 minutes). The film's measured, atmospheric pacing allows Guillermo del Toro to build the fairy-tale world and the central romance with considerable visual and emotional depth.
What movies are similar to The Shape of Water?
Viewers who enjoyed The Shape of Water often appreciate Pan's Labyrinth (2006), another del Toro dark fairy tale, as well as Call Me by Your Name (2017), Annihilation (2018), and Corpse Bride (2005). Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri and Lady Bird are also frequently recommended.
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