It took me far too long to get around to seeing this film. Despite being a fan of everything I've seen directed by Del Toro, which admittedly isn't his entire body of work, I still put off seeing this one for a while, even after he won best director for it. I guess I felt like I had to be in the right mood or frame of mind to see this particular movie. It wasn't a big action anime love letter like Pacific Rim, or completely fantastical action-comedy like Hellboy. Just by the name, The Shape of Water, I knew it was something...softer.
The film is set entirely in our world, but the sets, costumes, lighting, and overall color and tone contribute a feeling of that fairy-tail style Del Toro is so amazing at. With a few exceptions, I was completely absorbed in just the visuals of this movie, but not because anything was specifically striking or unique exactly, but just because of the feeling I got from looking at it all. It has a strange surreal, or dream-like quality I have trouble putting into words. Coupled with the small cast of incredibly strong and distinct characters, I was sucked into the world of this film full force. That's important, to be so invested, because of what the plot revolves around. If none of what I mentioned resonated with you, or you purposefully resisted it, then I doubt you would be able to empathize and believe in the plot. That's kind of why I'm avoiding stating the plot, although I will say it's a love story, because just reading it as a sentence wouldn't do it justice. In fact, I bet it would make a lot of people dismiss the film when they might otherwise have enjoyed it.
That's a problem I'm glad The Shape of Water was able to avoid and get the recognition it deserved. Just because a plot may sound childish or immature doesn't mean it should be rejected based on a single element. Taking something and presenting it as honestly and sincerely as possible, no matter what it is or what medium the creator chooses to use, should not be discredited because of one relatively minor aspect. Del Toro had something to say, and manages to get it across in a beautiful work of film. That's something special in a world where a film is influenced by so many people coming at it from different angles. If you enjoy unconventional romance stories, with beautifully flawed and believable characters, then see this film.
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