The Shape of Water
Movie (2017)
A fairy tale for troubled times.
An other-worldly story, set against the backdrop of Cold War era America circa 1962, where a mute janitor working at a lab falls in love with an amphibious man being held captive there and devises a plan to help him escape.
Movie (2017)
A fairy tale for troubled times.
An other-worldly story, set against the backdrop of Cold War era America circa 1962, where a mute janitor working at a lab falls in love with an amphibious man being held captive there and devises a plan to help him escape.
What to know before you start
Content details to help you decide what fits your child.
Sex & Nudity
The film features full-frontal female nudity and realistic, intimate sexual encounters between the lead characters. It also includes suggestive themes and a brief scene of a man in a bathroom.
Violence & Gore
The movie contains scenes of visceral, realistic violence including blood, gunshot wounds, and physical torture. There are several intense sequences involving characters being injured or killed during conflict.
Profanity
The film features strong language throughout, including the use of "f*ck" (multiple times), "sh*t" (multiple times), and "p*ss" used in moments of anger, frustration, and casual conversation.
Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking
Characters are frequently shown drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes, which is consistent with the film's 1960s period setting. These habits are portrayed as part of the characters' daily lives.
Frightening Scenes
There is a persistent sense of unease and tension throughout the film, particularly regarding the mistreatment of a creature and the dark nature of the primary antagonist. Some scenes involve psychological pressure and intense, scary confrontations.
Key Insights
Quick summary and important considerations
This is a dark, adult-focused fairy tale about how kindness and understanding can bridge gaps between people who seem very different from one another.
Content Warnings
Detailed Analysis
In-depth insights for parents and educators
What Parents Need to Know
Contains frequent strong language, bloody violence, and explicit sexual scenes. The tone is somber, tense, and intended strictly for an adult audience.
What Kids Can Learn
Viewers can reflect on the humanity of those labeled as outsiders and the moral weight of choosing to do the right thing under pressure.
Key Topics Discussed
Why Parents Might Like It
The film offers a visually stunning, artistically directed cinematic experience that subverts traditional monster movie tropes with deep emotional resonance.
Positives & learning
Positive messages
Emphasizes empathy toward the 'other,' the importance of non-verbal connection, and standing up against institutional cruelty.
Role models
The protagonist demonstrates profound kindness, bravery, and resilience, advocating for a vulnerable creature despite personal risk.
Representation
Features a lead character with a disability and explores the perspectives of marginalized individuals navigating systemic discrimination in the 1960s.
Learning
Provides a stylized historical lens into the social attitudes and government paranoia of the 1960s.
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