10 Horror Films Perfect For Valentine’s Day
3. The Shape Of Water
A love story about a mute woman who falls in love with a captive fish-man. What’s not romantic about that?
To say The Shape of Water is a weird concept is underplaying it a bit, but it’s the strength of Guillermo del Toro’s directing and star Sally Hawkins’ acting that will have you completely invested in the weird developing love story between Elisa and Doug Jones' character, who is only credited as “Amphibian Man”.
The quality of the film’s production can’t be stated enough— this is a multiple award winning film after all. The sets are lovingly crafted, the music is dream-like, and the Amphibian Man is beautifully designed. The film has the distinct other-worldly horror vibe that Del Torro is known for, but The Shape of Water is definitely more fantasy-romance than del Toro's usual fantasy-horror.
Octavia Spencer and Michael Shannon feature as well, rounding out a solid cast. Spencer in particular acts as the voice of the viewer (and of silent protagonist Elisa) at times, giving the film more of a coherent narrative.
In the end, the film belongs to the love story, one that's definitely not something you’ve seen before.