---
title: "The Shape of Water"
year: 2017
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/the-shape-of-water-2017"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 399055
imdb_id: "tt5580390"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 123
community_rating: 7.2
vote_count: 12936
content_rating: "R"
---

# The Shape of Water (2017) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/the-shape-of-water-2017

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

The Shape of Water is a 2017 film directed and produced by Guillermo del Toro, who co-wrote the screenplay with Vanessa Taylor. The film is set against the backdrop of Cold War era America, specifically in 1962. The story revolves around a mute janitor working at a lab who falls in love with an amphibious man being held captive there. The janitor devises a plan to help the amphibious man escape. The film is classified as a period romantic dark fantasy. It was released in the United States on December 1, 2017, with a runtime of 2 hours and 3 minutes. The Shape of Water received a rating of R, indicating it is intended for mature audiences. The film's genre classification includes drama, fantasy, and romance.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A mute janitor forms an unlikely bond with a captive amphibious creature during the Cold War."

### Why Watch
- unique premise
- atmospheric storytelling

### Caveats & Content Note
- contains mature themes
- Tone & Suitability: The film is rated R and contains mature content suitable for adult audiences.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: romantic, dark fantasy, period, other-worldly

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | HBO Max Amazon Channel, YouTube TV, Cinemax Amazon Channel, HBO Max, Cinemax Apple TV Channel | None | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | Disney Plus | None | Apple TV Store, Rakuten TV, Amazon Video |
| **Canada (CA)** | Disney Plus, Crave, Starz Amazon Channel, Crave Amazon Channel | None | Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, CosmoGo |
| **Australia (AU)** | Disney Plus | None | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Guillermo del Toro
- **Networks / Studios**: Double Dare You, Fox Searchlight Pictures, Bull Productions

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Sally Hawkins** as *Elisa Esposito*
- **Michael Shannon** as *Richard Strickland*
- **Richard Jenkins** as *Giles*
- **Octavia Spencer** as *Zelda Fuller*
- **Michael Stuhlbarg** as *Dr. Robert Hoffstetler*
- **Doug Jones** as *Amphibian Man*
- **David Hewlett** as *Fleming*
- **Nick Searcy** as *General Hoyt*
- **Stewart Arnott** as *Bernard*
- **Nigel Bennett** as *Mihalkov*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: What is the genre?
The film is a period romantic dark fantasy.

### Q: When is it set?
The story takes place in 1962 during the Cold War era.

### Q: Who directed the film?
Guillermo del Toro directed and produced the film.

### Q: How long is the film?
The runtime is two hours and three minutes.

### Q: What is the premise?
A mute janitor at a laboratory falls in love with a captive amphibious man and attempts to rescue him.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [The Shape of Water — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/399055)
- [The Shape of Water](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Shape_of_Water)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*