The Shape of Water
7.3
The Shape of Water fingerprint
Stunning style, big heart, a touch of humor.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension7
- Spectacle6
- Adrenaline5
Heart
Deeply romantic and awe-inspiring
- Romance9
- Wonder9
- Wholesome8
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Satire & Parody3
- Situational Comedy2
World
Fantasy, history, and society
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
- World Immersion9
- Rewatchability8
- Novelty8
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and storytelling
- Direction9
- Acting9
- Narrative Structure8
Style
Standout score, cinematography, and visual style
A distinctive visual signature.
- Music Composition10
- Cinematography9
- Visual Stylization9
Energy
MediumTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Shape of Water is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Spectacle6Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Adrenaline5High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Violence4Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare3Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Uncanny7Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
Heart
HighDeeply romantic and awe-inspiring
Emotionally, it's deeply romantic, awe-inspiring, and wholesome.
All heart traits
- Romance9Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wonder9Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome8Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Pathos8Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Hopefulness8Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Catharsis8Emotional release and payoff.
- Nostalgia7Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Family Dynamics4Relationships and generational ties.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Satire & Parody3Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Situational Comedy2Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Absurdist Humor2Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Dark Humor2Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
Related traits
- Wholesome8Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Eccentricity7Oddball tone and quirks.
- Pastiche5Playful imitation of styles.
World
MediumFantasy, history, and society
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around fantasy, history, and society. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It holds up on a rewatch.
All world traits
- World Immersion9Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability8Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty8Fresh ideas and invention.
- Dialogue Centrality5Stories driven by conversation.
- Ambiguity2Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Fantasy8Mythic worlds and magical systems.
- Historical7Period settings and real events.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
- Politics6Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Tech & Humanity6Human stories in a tech world.
- Surrealism6Dreamlike, bizarre imagery.
Craft
HighStandout direction, performances, and storytelling
The direction, performances, and storytelling stand out.
All craft traits
- Direction9Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity5Layered plots and ideas.
- Meta Narrative2Stories about storytelling.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
Related traits
- Novelty8Fresh ideas and invention.
- Homage & Reference7Allusions to other works.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
Style
Very highStandout score, cinematography, and visual style
A distinctive visual signature.
Look and sound: the score, cinematography, and visual style stand out.
All style traits
- Music Composition10Score and musical identity.
- Cinematography9Visual composition and camera work.
- Visual Stylization9Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality9The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Editing8Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Sound Centrality8Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Spectacle6Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Pastiche5Playful imitation of styles.
- Dialogue Centrality5Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
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About
A fairy tale for troubled times.
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Sequels and Prequels
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Questions about The Shape of Water
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Shape of Water worth watching?
Yes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 81/100 (IMDb 7.3, Rotten Tomatoes 92%, and Metacritic 87). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Shape of Water rated?
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence, sexual content, strong language, and disturbing imagery.
How long is The Shape of Water?
2 h 3 min
The Shape of Water runs 2 h 3 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Shape of Water?
Not quite. Critics rate The Shape of Water higher (90) than audiences (72). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
Was The Shape of Water a box office hit?
Yes, a big one. It cost about $20 million to make and earned $195 million worldwide, 10.0 times its budget.
What language is The Shape of Water in?
It was made in English, with some Russian. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch The Shape of Water?
+77GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Shape of Water in 91 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Shape of Water use?
TV Tropes lists 172 storytelling tropes for The Shape of Water, including Man-Made House Flood, Commonality Connection, Fractured Fairy Tale.