To discuss what is the beautiful message behind Guillermo Del Toro’s “The Shape of Water” is, at times, too difficult to put into words. It challenged issues with our societal constructs and showed the striking similarities between 1962 and 2017 America (Spoiler alert, beware). Rather than a boy and a girl, it was a mute cleaning lady and sea monster who fell in love; rather than American intelligence agents, it was a Russian spy and black woman who helped the protagonist reach her happy-ever-after; rather than heterosexual, it was a homosexual relationship that endured conflicts. The film strays far from that typical sub-category of romance that includes the princess and the frog’s and beauty and the beast’s of the filmmaking world; the director found beauty on a deeper level. In a twisted way — the way that he has ever so wonderfully mastered — Del Toro has transcended the superficial portrayal of love. And, it has been recognized with a record thirteen Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, and Best Supporting Actor and Actress.