The Shape of Water (2017)

Director: Guillermo del Toro

Starring: Sally Hawkins, Doug Jones, Michael Shannon, Octavia Spencer

Genre: Fantasy/Romance

Ratings: IMDb: 7.3/10; Rotten Tomatoes: 92%

We Watched It

The Shape of Water is a unique blend of fantasy, romance, and social commentary that captures the unlikely love between a mute woman and an aquatic creature imprisoned in a government lab. You'll love the storytelling paired with stunning visuals that feel like a living fairytale. Sally Hawkins’ performance is quietly powerful, drawing you into her character’s loneliness and need for connection. The pacing is sometimes slow, and the plot might feel too whimsical for those expecting a more traditional romance. If you enjoyed the fantastical world of Pan’s Labyrinth or the emotional whimsy of Amélie, this one is for you.

The Shape of Water (2017)

Behind the Scenes

Guillermo del Toro drew inspiration from his childhood experiences and love for fairy tales. He wanted to create a story where the creature was not the villain, but the hero.

3 Offbeat Documentaries

The Imposter (2012) – This mind-bending documentary unravels the unbelievable true story of a con artist who impersonates a missing Texas boy. The strength of this film lies in its ability to make you question the nature of truth and deception, as it blends real-life footage with cinematic re-creations. It will keep you guessing until the end, but beware of the emotional twists.

My Life as a Zucchini (2016) – Though animated, it is incredibly emotional, delving into themes of loss, friendship, and resilience. It’s a heartwarming story told from the perspective of a young boy living in a group home after his mother’s death. It tackles complex subjects in a way that’s both tender and accessible. That said, you might find its short runtime leaves you wanting more depth.

Tickled (2016) starts as a quirky documentary about an endurance tickling contest but quickly spirals into a dark and bizarre investigation into obsession, manipulation, and control. It takes unexpected turns, transforming from a curiosity into a disturbing tale of power dynamics.

Soundtrack of the Week

"Suspirium" by Thom Yorke is from Suspiria (2018). This haunting track perfectly encapsulates the film's eerie atmosphere and emotional depth. Listen on Spotify.

Where to Watch

The Shape of Water – available on AppleTV

Amélie – available on Max and Apple TV

Pan’s Labyrinth – available on AppleTV

The Imposter – available on AppleTV and Prime Video

My Life as a Zucchini – available on Prime Video

Tickled – available on AppleTV and Prime Video

Suspiria - Available on Apple TV and Prime Video

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