The Shape of Water (2017) (Film Review)

The Shape of Water (2017) Well… I don’t see what the big deal is! Do I have a problem with Guillermo Del Toro! Pacific Rim didn’t leave me with any lasting memories. But I’m prepared to give it another go. Pan’s Labyrinth is a very dark, violent and disturbing film. But I admit that it’s worth seeing once or twice. As for Hell Boy, I really liked both of them. It’s not a purchase I regret.

As for The Shape of Water, I clearly can’t say that it’s a bad film. I enjoyed the ending… which could have been much more tragic if it had stopped 5 minutes earlier. It’s a sort of unexpected happy ending, because we know that this director is capable of anything. We’re always surprised by him. But the darkness is total before there’s a hint of hope.

The villain is not only detestable, but downright unbearable! It’s almost too much, with the sweets he crunches in such a way as to make you want to tart him all the way. He’s already playing the bad guy in Man of Steel, I’d have to see him in a good role to see his acting skills. Otherwise, I’m going to wonder about his mental health. I always do with these people who play the bad guys perfectly all the time!

Raw sexuality, but also sensuality is presented in this film. Of course, you can fall in love with a soul. Looks don’t really matter. It’s not even a question of man or woman. Here, it’s all about a non-human creature. Beautiful scenes, lots of water. A mute as the main character, with a very good friend, a very nice colleague, despicable bosses (well, pretty normal up to that point!) and a passionate love affair with a creature that’s sometimes repulsive, sometimes rather nice. A nice moment, I’m not saying. But I don’t think there’s anything to make a huge fuss about with this film. It always makes the anticipation more pressing… and that leads more easily to disappointment.

It’s best never to listen to what people say about films before you see them. Yes, for the film of this year 2017, we’ll have to come back !!!

My Rating