The Shape of Water (2017) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The film is set in Baltimore in 1962, a period defined by the Civil Rights Movement and Cold War tensions. The city serves as a contrast between its vibrant cultural backdrop and the isolated, hidden world where Elisa works. This historical context enhances the film's themes of love and acceptance against societal expectations.

• baltimore
• 1962
• setting
• cold war era
• 1960s

Baltimore provides a grounded, realistic backdrop that contrasts with the magical underwater world of the Asset. The city's rich cultural history represents normalcy and societal structure, which makes Elisa's extraordinary relationship stand out more sharply. The setting emphasizes the theme of finding connection in an unexpected place.

• baltimore city
• setting
• isolation
• normalcy

The forbidden love theme centers on Elisa's relationship with the Asset, which defies societal norms of 1962. As a mute woman marginalized by society, Elisa finds a deep connection with a creature considered a threat. This theme challenges conventional boundaries of love and acceptance, highlighting how genuine connection transcends physical differences and social prejudice.

• forbidden love
• elisa
• asset
• society
• acceptance
• prejudice

Courage manifests through Elisa's decision to risk her life rescuing the Asset despite the deadly threat posed by Strickland. Her bravery stems from compassion and her recognition of the creature's sentience. The theme underscores that standing against oppressive forces requires significant personal sacrifice, especially for someone who has been marginalized.

• courage
• bravery
• Elisa
• Strickland
• sacrifice
• compassion

Transformation appears in both Elisa and the Asset as they develop their bond. Elisa transforms from a lonely, isolated woman into someone who embraces her identity and desires. The Asset also transforms, revealing its intelligence and emotional capacity. Together, their connection symbolizes rebirth and the possibility of breaking free from oppressive circumstances.

• transformation
• growth
• Elisa
• asset
• rebirth
• change

Elisa Esposito is a mute woman who works as a cleaning lady at a secret government research facility. She communicates through sign language and connects deeply with music. Her uniqueness lies in her ability to form profound emotional bonds despite her isolation from society, making her the perfect person to understand and love the Asset.

• Elisa
• mute
• sign language
• communication
• isolation
• outsider

The Asset is an amphibian creature captured by the government for research during the Cold War. It represents purity, innocence, and the beauty found in those deemed different or monstrous by society. The creature's ability to form a genuine emotional connection with Elisa symbolizes love's power to transcend superficial differences.

• asset
• creature
• amphibian
• cold war
• government
• monster

Richard Strickland is the film's main antagonist, a government agent who tortures and controls the Asset. He represents oppressive authority, societal cruelty, and the dark side of humanity. His violent, domineering nature contrasts sharply with Elisa's compassion, creating the central conflict between gentleness and brutality.

• Strickland
• antagonist
• villain
• government
• oppression
• cruelty

Giles is Elisa's neighbor and artist who becomes her emotional support and ally in rescuing the Asset. Zelda is her coworker at the research facility who provides practical help and loyalty. Both characters represent the power of friendship and chosen family, standing by Elisa despite the dangers involved.

• Giles
• Zelda
• friend
• support
• ally
• loyalty
• friendship

The Cold War creates the dangerous backdrop of the government's secret program to study the Asset. This era of paranoia and tension heightens the stakes for Elisa's rescue mission. The setting also explains why the creature is considered a national security threat and why those involved face extreme consequences.

• cold war
• 1962
• government
• espionage
• tension
• paranoia
• threat

Despite containing elements of torture, peril, and Cold War paranoia, the film has a fundamentally hopeful tone. The central message is that love conquers fear and prejudice. The ending is unambiguously happy, with love literally conquering death, reinforcing the theme that compassion and connection can overcome even the darkest circumstances.

• tone
• hopeful
• happy ending
• love
• romance
• emotional
• bittersweet