Content breakdown
⚠️
Not recommended
# The Shape of Water - Parental Guide
This R-rated fantasy romance contains strong violence, language, and sexual content unsuitable for children. The plot involves a mute woman's romantic relationship with a captured creature, presented with mature themes throughout. The Cold War setting and moderate horror elements add to the film's adult nature. Save this for mature teens and adults only.
About this movie
Genre
Drama, Fantasy, Romance
Synopsis
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.
Cast

Sally Hawkins
Elisa Esposito

Michael Shannon
Richard Strickland

Octavia Spencer
Zelda Fuller
Age suitability
Ages 9–12
Not recommended
Where to watch
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Ratings based on MPAA/TV classification and TMDB metadata. Updated March 2026.
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