Fox Searchlight has unveiled the final trailer for directorGuillermo del Toro’s upcoming fairy taleThe Shape of Water, but if you already plan on seeing this movie, I would strongly advise against watching it. This trailer spoils some of the film’s bigger reveals, and why the movie is more emotionally impactful than plot-driven, it’s probably best to go in as cold as possible—or at least colder than this trailer. So consider this a warning from someone who’s seen the film, you should probably steer clear of this trailer but you shoulddefinitelysee this movie if you want to experience the best Guillermo del Toro film ever made.
Written by del Toro andVanessa Taylor, the film takes place in 1962 America, against the backdrop of the Cold War, and starsSally Hawkinsas Elisa, a lonely and mute cleaning woman who works in a high-security government laboratory, where a new specimen has just arrived: a mysterious Fish Man, played byDoug Jonesin full makeup. Matters are complicated when Elisa strikes up a friendly relationship with the Fish Man, only to seeMichael Shannon’s terrifying security expert treat the creature like a wild animal, abuse and all.
Check out the newShape of Watertrailer below, followed by a Facebook Live session in which del Toro offered insight into the development and making of the film. The movie also starsOctavia Spencer,Richard Jenkins, andMichael Stuhlbargand opens in New York on December 1st with expansion to follow in the ensuing weeks. Andclick hereto read Brian’s glowing review andclick hereto read my take on the film’s Oscar chances.
Here’s the official synopsis forThe Shape of Water:
From master story teller, Guillermo del Toro, comes THE SHAPE OF WATER - an other-worldly fairy tale, set against the backdrop of Cold War era America circa 1962. In the hidden high-security government laboratory where she works, lonely Elisa (Sally Hawkins) is trapped in a life of isolation. Elisa’s life is changed forever when she and co-worker Zelda (Octavia Spencer) discover a secret classified experiment.
