Movie The Shape of Water 2017: A Complete Guide to the Award-Winning Fantasy Romance Film

The world of cinema is full of extraordinary stories, but every once in a while, a film comes along that feels completely different from everything else. “The Shape of Water” (2017) is that kind of movie — a film that blends fantasy, romance, mystery, emotion, and social commentary into a single unforgettable experience. Directed by Guillermo del Toro, the movie went on to win multiple accolades, including the prestigious Academy Award for Best Picture, making it one of the most celebrated films of the decade.

Whether you’re searching for details about The Shape of Water full movie, wanting to know if The Shape of Water is on Netflix, trying to figure out where to watch the movie The Shape of Water 2017, or looking up the complete Shape of Water cast, this article gives you everything you need — from story highlights to cast biographies, themes, awards, streaming availability, and cultural impact.

Let’s dive deep into the magical, eerie, and emotionally powerful world of The Shape of Water.

What Is “The Shape of Water” (2017)?

Released on December 1, 2017 (USA), The Shape of Water is a romantic dark fantasy film set during the Cold War era. The movie tells the story of Elisa Esposito, a mute cleaner working at a government research facility, who develops an emotional and romantic connection with a mysterious amphibian creature held captive inside the lab.

The movie explores themes of love, freedom, communication, and the meaning of humanity. Unlike typical monster movies, this one turns the concept upside down: the “monster” is not the creature — but the humans who imprison him.

The film’s screenplay was co-written by Guillermo del Toro and Vanessa Taylor, based on a story by del Toro himself. With its captivating visuals, emotional depth, and unconventional love story, The Shape of Water became a global success.

Plot Summary: A Fairy Tale for Adults

The story is set in 1962, at the height of the Cold War. Elisa, played by Sally Hawkins, is a lonely woman who works as a cleaner at a top-secret government facility. Her days are quiet and repetitive — until she discovers a classified tank containing an amphibious humanoid creature captured from South America.

Unlike her colleagues, Elisa sees the creature as a living being, not a government asset. She forms a bond with it through sign language, boiled eggs, and music. When she discovers that government officials plan to kill the creature for scientific research, Elisa decides to risk everything to save him.

The film unfolds as a mix of romance, thriller, suspense, and magical realism, building toward a dramatic escape and a beautifully emotional ending. The entire story is supported by rich themes of acceptance, compassion, and the idea that love can take many shapes — just like water.

Cast of the Movie “The Shape of Water” (2017)

The movie features a powerful ensemble cast that delivers some of the strongest performances of 2017.

Sally Hawkins as Elisa Esposito

Her portrayal of a mute woman who communicates through emotion and expression is one of the most remarkable aspects of the film. Hawkins was nominated for multiple awards for her role.

Doug Jones as The Amphibian Man

Known for playing creature roles in del Toro’s films, Jones brings grace and personality to a character without dialogue.

Michael Shannon as Richard Strickland

Shannon plays the villain — a government agent obsessed with control, discipline, and eliminating anything he considers “other.”

Richard Jenkins as Giles

Elisa’s neighbor and friend, providing emotional support and representing themes of loneliness and acceptance.

Octavia Spencer as Zelda Fuller

Elisa’s coworker and friend, adding depth and moral clarity to the story.

Michael Stuhlbarg as Dr. Robert Hoffstetler

A scientist with a conscience, caught between patriotism and humanity.

This ensemble cast contributes significantly to why searches like “Shape of Water cast” and “Cast of the movie The Shape of Water 2017” remain popular.

Direction & Creative Vision: Guillermo del Toro’s Masterpiece

Guillermo del Toro is known for blending beauty and horror in his works — from Pan’s Labyrinth to Crimson Peak. But The Shape of Water stands out as his most heartfelt project.

Why the Direction Stands Out

Del Toro creates a world filled with color symbolism: green for the future, red for passion, blue for water and emotion.

His storytelling merges fantasy with realism in a way that feels natural.

The creature is not a monster to be feared — but a character with soul, grace, and emotion.

The film’s tone is both dark and hopeful, balancing tension and tenderness.

Del Toro’s direction earned him the Academy Award for Best Director, making him a globally acclaimed filmmaker.

Themes and Symbolism in the Film

1. Love Beyond Boundaries

The film highlights an unconventional love story that moves beyond appearance, language, and species.

2. Loneliness and Outsiders

Nearly every major character is marginalized in some way — showing how society rejects those who are different.

3. Humanity vs. Inhumanity

The movie challenges the viewer to rethink what it means to be “human.”

Is humanity defined by appearance, speech, or empathy?

4. Communication Without Words

Elisa’s muteness is a symbol of how powerful non-verbal communication can be.

5. Water as a Metaphor

Water represents:

transformation

fluidity

freedom

the ability to take any shape

This is why the title “The Shape of Water” carries deep artistic meaning.

Awards & Major Achievements

The movie became a major success during the awards season.

Academy Awards (Oscars)

Won: Best Picture (2017)

Won: Best Director – Guillermo del Toro

Won: Best Production Design

Won: Best Original Score

Nominated for 13 total categories, including:

Best Actress (Sally Hawkins)

Best Supporting Actress (Octavia Spencer)

Best Supporting Actor (Richard Jenkins)

Best Original Screenplay (del Toro & Taylor)

This is why searches for “Awards: Academy Award for Best Picture” and “Nominations: Academy Award for Best Picture” are common around the film.

Is “The Shape of Water” on Netflix?

Streaming availability often changes, but viewers frequently search for:

The Shape of Water full movie

The Shape of Water Netflix

Watch the movie The Shape of Water 2017

The Shape of Water full movie online Dailymotion

As of different periods, the movie has appeared on several platforms including Netflix and Amazon Prime Video — depending on region. However:

Note:

Platforms like Dailymotion hosting “full movies” are usually unauthorized, unsafe, or illegal. It’s best to watch the film on legitimate streaming platforms.

For movie lovers who want the best quality, official streaming or Blu-ray versions are the safest and most reliable choices.

International Versions, Tamil Dub, & Global Popularity

Many fans search for “The Shape of Water Tamil dubbed movie download”, but official dubbed versions vary by region and licensing.

Tamil-dubbed full versions available on random download sites are often:

unauthorized

low quality

unsafe

The official film is primarily available in English with subtitles. Always rely on legal and verified sources for safety.

Impact on Cinema & Pop Culture

The Shape of Water has grown beyond a film — it’s now considered a modern classic.

1. Redefined Fantasy Storytelling

The movie proved that fantasy films can win major awards, challenge norms, and appeal to global audiences.

2. Representation

A mute protagonist in a leading role is rare in Hollywood. Elisa’s character showcases strength without words.

3. A Bold, Unconventional Love Story

The movie discusses compassion, emotion, and connection in ways few films have attempted before.

4. Influenced Film Discussions Worldwide

The movie sparked conversations on:

Disability

communication

government power

emotional intelligence

social isolation

Its influence continues today in film schools, critic circles, and fan communities.

Conclusion

The Shape of Water remains a cinematic gem — a blend of fantasy, romance, mystery, and artistry. With its unforgettable performances, deep themes, iconic direction, and award-winning storytelling, it stands as one of the most unique films of the 21st century.

Whether you’re exploring The Shape of Water full movie, checking where it’s streaming such as The Shape of Water on Netflix, looking for details about the Shape of Water cast, or simply revisiting an emotional masterpiece, this film continues to captivate audiences with its beauty and depth.

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