The Shape of Water (2017) Watch Online Free
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, directed by Guillermo del Toro, is a haunting and beautiful blend of fantasy, romance, and political commentary. Set in 1962, during the Cold War, the story follows Elisa Esposito (Sally Hawkins), a mute woman who works as a cleaner in a secret government laboratory in Baltimore. Her life is quiet and routine, shaped by her communication through sign language and her deep friendship with her neighbor, Giles (Richard Jenkins), a closeted gay man, and her coworker, Zelda (Octavia Spencer).
The plot kicks into motion when a mysterious amphibious creature, captured from a South American river, is brought to the lab for study. Initially treated as a specimen for research, Elisa forms a bond with the creature, a humanoid being (Doug Jones) that is held in captivity. As she learns more about the creature’s gentle nature, Elisa discovers that the government intends to vivisect it for military purposes. In secret, Elisa forms a romantic relationship with the Amphibian Man, and when she overhears plans to kill it, she sets out to free it.
One of the most powerful themes in The Shape of Water is the idea of otherness and the cruel consequences of dehumanizing individuals or creatures because they do not fit into societal norms. The creature, though not human, symbolizes those marginalized by society—be it due to physical differences, race, or sexual orientation. Elisa’s silence mirrors her outsider status, while the creature is subjected to brutal treatment, serving as a metaphor for the oppression and cruelty faced by those who are perceived as different.
The relationship between Elisa and the creature stands as a defiance against societal norms and an exploration of love in its purest form. Their bond, developed in secrecy and based on trust and compassion, defies the traditional boundaries of human relationships, offering a potent commentary on the transformative power of love.
Del Toro also emphasizes the themes of loneliness, communication, and acceptance. Elisa’s mute status reflects a common human struggle to be heard, while the Amphibian Man’s lack of language speaks to the difficulties of communication in a world that often prioritizes words over emotions.
The film’s settings reinforce these themes—Elisa’s green-tinted apartment, for example, represents the future, while the sterile and brutal government lab stands as a symbol of the oppressive past. These contrasting worlds illustrate the conflict between the emerging possibilities of human connection and the harsh forces that aim to destroy it.
Watching The Shape of Water will likely leave you with a mix of emotions. The story’s powerful message about the importance of compassion and connection, even in the face of adversity, resonates deeply. You’ll be moved by the bond between Elisa and the Amphibian Man, and there’s a good chance you’ll be emotionally impacted by the film’s bittersweet ending. The film’s ethereal and dreamlike atmosphere can evoke a sense of wonder, but it also carries an underlying sadness as it reflects on the cruelty of a world that often rejects those who are different.
Expect to feel both uplifted and heartbroken, as the film challenges conventional ideas about love, acceptance, and humanity. Its beauty and uniqueness will stay with you long after the credits roll, leaving you with much to ponder about the world and your place in it.
The Shape of Water is a testament to del Toro’s storytelling abilities, offering a rich cinematic experience that captivates and provokes thought. It is both a fairy tale and a timely commentary on the human condition, making it a must-watch for anyone who enjoys films that transcend the boundaries of genre.
