The Shape of Water

The Shape of Water

Year: 2017

Runtime: 123 min

Language: English

Director: Guillermo del Toro

Echo Score: 85

Budget: $19M

AdventureDramaThrillerFantasyHorrorRomanceWar

In 1962 Baltimore, Elisa, a mute woman working as a cleaner, discovers a mysterious aquatic creature being held in a hidden government facility. Drawn to the creature, she forms an unusual bond with it, risking everything to help it escape. As she navigates her growing connection, she must confront a ruthless government agent and the Cold War tensions surrounding the creature’s existence, embarking on a dangerous journey fueled by compassion and an unexpected love.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Shape of Water (2017)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Shape of Water (2017). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1962

The movie is set in 1962, a time marked by significant social and political transitions in the United States. This era, often characterized by the Civil Rights Movement, gives context to the film's exploration of love and acceptance outside societal norms. The year enhances the sense of danger and tension surrounding Elisa's unconventional relationship with the Asset.

Location

Baltimore

Baltimore, a vibrant city on the Chesapeake Bay, serves as the primary backdrop for the film. Known for its rich history in arts and culture, the city contrasts the isolation felt by the characters and their extraordinary experiences. The underwater setting symbolizes a world of mystery and magic, reflecting the film’s enchanting themes.

🏙️ City 🌊 Underwater

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 18:50

Main Characters – The Shape of Water (2017)

Meet the key characters of The Shape of Water (2017), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Elisa Esposito

Elisa is a mute woman whose quiet existence transforms when she discovers the Asset. She is deeply compassionate, often communicating through sign language and music, which connects her to the creature. Her journey from solitude to finding love and purpose embodies resilience and the quest for acceptance.

🎨 Artist 💕 Lover 🦸‍♀️ Hero

Giles

Giles is Elisa's neighbor and an aspiring artist who serves as her emotional anchor. He is imaginative and protective, sharing moments of joy and humor despite his own struggles. His collaboration with Elisa showcases the strength of friendship and loyalty amidst dire circumstances.

👨‍🎨 Artist 🤝 Friend 📖 Narrator

Zelda Fuller

Zelda is Elisa's coworker and confidante at the research center. She is strong-willed and supportive, often providing a voice of reason in their plans. Zelda's loyalty is evident as she stands by Elisa's side, demonstrating the power of female friendship in the face of adversity.

👩‍🏭 Co-worker 💪 Supportive Friend 🪞 Realist

Richard Strickland

Strickland is the antagonistic figure representing oppression and cruelty in the film. His violent and domineering nature poses a constant threat to the Asset and Elisa’s bond. His character highlights the darker aspects of humanity, contrasting sharply with Elisa's gentleness.

👮 Antagonist ⚔️ Corrupt Authority 😡 Villain

Dr. Robert Hoffstetler

Hoffstetler is a complex character caught between loyalty to his country and compassion for the Asset. As a spy, he navigates moral dilemmas that challenge his integrity. His decision to help Elisa underscores the themes of empathy and personal sacrifice.

🔬 Scientist 🎭 Spy 🤔 Moral Dilemma

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 18:50

Major Themes – The Shape of Water (2017)

Explore the central themes of The Shape of Water (2017), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Forbidden Love

The theme of forbidden love is central to the narrative, as Elisa and the Asset's profound bond defies societal expectations. Their relationship highlights the depth of connection that can exist beyond physical and social barriers. This theme challenges conventional norms and invites viewers to reflect on the nature of love in all its forms.

🦸‍♀️ Courage

Courage is embodied in Elisa's determination to save the Asset despite the dangers posed by Strickland. Her bravery evolves from a sense of compassion that pushes her to act against overwhelming odds. This theme underscores the importance of standing up for what is right and protecting those who cannot protect themselves.

🌊 Transformation

Transformation is a recurring theme as both Elisa and the Asset undergo significant changes throughout the movie. Their connection allows Elisa to awaken to her own identity and desires, while the Asset reveals its hidden truths. Together, they navigate a journey that symbolizes rebirth and new possibilities in the face of adversity.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 18:50

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Fantastical Love Stories Like The Shape of Water

Forbidden love stories where passion transcends societal and physical boundaries.Discover movies like The Shape of Water that feature unconventional, interspecies, or forbidden romances set against a backdrop of societal oppression. If you enjoyed the tender, yearning connection between Elisa and the creature, you'll find similar tales of love conquering all odds in these recommendations.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative follows an outsider or isolated character who forms a deep, compassionate bond with another being considered 'monstrous' or 'other' by society. The core conflict arises from a rigid, often cruel establishment that seeks to destroy this connection, forcing the protagonists on a perilous rescue mission to save their love and find freedom.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread share a specific emotional cocktail: a high-stakes, tense rescue plot driven by a core of tender, hopeful romance. They balance moments of oppressive cruelty with a dreamlike, whimsical tone, ultimately celebrating love's ability to transcend physical form and societal norms.

Dark Fairy Tale Movies Like The Shape of Water

Whimsical yet tense stories where beauty emerges from darkness.Explore films similar to The Shape of Water that blend fantasy, romance, and tension into a modern dark fairy tale. If you liked its dreamlike quality, gothic romance, and balance of whimsy with genuine darkness, this collection of adult-oriented fables is for you.

dreamlikewhimsicalgothictenselonelyfantasticalyearningoppressive

Narrative Summary

These narratives often follow a simple, archetypal structure reminiscent of classic fables—a rescue, a quest, a transformation. The journey is emotionally straightforward but rich in texture, pitting innocent, compassionate characters against embodiments of greed and control within an oppressive, stylized world. The ending typically offers a hopeful, almost magical resolution that feels earned after significant struggle.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by a unique tonal blend: the whimsical, dreamlike feel of a fairy tale combined with the genuine tension and darkness of a adult drama. They share a 'hopeful' core that shines through the 'high' intensity, creating a very specific viewing experience that is both enchanting and suspenseful.

Unlock the Full Story of The Shape of Water

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Shape of Water in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Shape of Water is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Shape of Water Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Shape of Water, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Shape of Water Summary

The Shape of Water Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Shape of Water with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Shape of Water Timeline

The Shape of Water Ending Explained

What really happened at the end of The Shape of Water? This detailed ending explained page breaks down final scenes, hidden clues, and alternate interpretations with expert analysis and viewer theories.

The Shape of Water Ending Explained

The Shape of Water Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of The Shape of Water that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

The Shape of Water Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Shape of Water

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Shape of Water: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Shape of Water

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