The Shape of Water (2017)
A mute janitor finds otherworldly love with an amphibious captive, planning a surreal escape in Cold War America.
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.
How intense is The Shape of Water?
The Shape of Water is mildly scary, with light gore and strong violence. Emotionally it is heavy. The pace is measured, and it is a full-attention watch and a date-night pick. Rated R.
What The Shape of Water feels like
- Tone
- whimsicalromanticmelancholyatmosphericsurreal
- Pace
- Measured
- Best for
- Full attentionDate nightLate night
Where to stream The Shape of Water
US availability via TMDB, last checked Sep 12, 2026. The app filters picks to the services you actually have.
Is The Shape of Water for you?
Is The Shape of Water scary?
Only a little. The Shape of Water has a few tense moments (scare level 1 of 3), nothing that follows you to bed.
Is The Shape of Water gory or violent?
Light gore (1 of 3) and strong violence (2 of 3).
Is The Shape of Water sad or heavy?
It is emotionally heavy (2 of 3). Expect it to land.
Is The Shape of Water OK for kids?
It is rated R, so it is made for adults. Intensity: scare 1, gore 1, violence 2, each out of 3.
How long is The Shape of Water?
The Shape of Water runs 2h 3m.
Where can I stream The Shape of Water?
The Shape of Water is streaming on Max.
Does The Shape of Water have a happy ending? spoiler-safe answer
Yes. It lands on a happy note.
Cast and crew
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