The Transformative Power of Connection: Why Sexual Content is Essential in The Shape of Water

In discussions of film, particularly those with intricate narratives and symbolically charged elements, the presence or absence of sexual content often becomes a central topic. In the case of The Shapew of Water, directed by Guillermo del Toro, sexual content is not merely gratuitous or designed purely for crowd-pleasing purposes but serves as a critical element in establishing and deepening connections between characters, as well as grounding the otherwise absurd premise of the film.

Sex as a Grounding Element

The movie introduces a magical fish-like creature as a prisoner of a government agency, juxtaposed with a lonely mute woman named Elisa. The premise, while intriguing, can be quite absurd; it’s a challenge for audiences to connect with the idea of a sentient creature captured from the Amazon. However, it is precisely this absurdity that is grounded and made real through the insertion of sexual and violent elements. As we have seen, del Toro believes that these elements serve to make the bizarre premise feel more real and relatable to the audience. This is a strategy that resonates with the understanding of human behaviors and motivations, especially in the context of romantic and sexual relationships.

Sexual Content in The Shape of Water

The sexual content in The Shapew of Water is not merely added to please an audience. When Elisa pleases herself, it serves to emphasize her loneliness and isolation. The scene in the bathroom, where Elisa engages with the creature she has come to trust, highlights her complete devotion and trust. This scene is critical in establishing the nature of their love and the extent of Elisa's affection for the creature.

Interpreting the Love Between Elisa and the Creature

Some might argue that a human could not fall in love with a creature that is not human. However, the story The Shapew of Water wants to tell is one of otherness and transformation, where connection occurs despite differences. The sexual relationship between Elisa and the creature becomes an essential part of this narrative, as it serves to convince the audience of their romantic bond. Without this scene, the relationship might feel less credible, potentially relegating it to the same level as the platonic connection seen in films like E.T. The Extraterrestrial.

Personal Critique: Artistic Craftsmanship vs. Narrative Credibility

While the art direction and photography in The Shapew of Water are a delight—delightful and detailed—the story itself did not hold my attention. I found the characters to be plain and their motivations unclear. The rapid development of romantic love between Elisa and the creature seemed artificial to me. The film is universal in its themes but felt like it lacked originality, as though I had seen too many similar films before.

Conclusion

Sexual content in The Shapew of Water is not just about pleasing the crowd but about grounding the film's absurd premise in relatable and human behaviors. It serves to emphasize the connection and love between Elisa and the creature, making their relationship feel more real to the audience. Whether one finds the film credible or not, the use of sexual content is a strategic choice that aligns with the film's themes of connection and transformation.