Sure, water can be the most honest narrative device if you let it. In The Shape of Water the liquid isn’t just a backdrop; it carries the pacing, the temperature, even the mood shifts, almost like a secondary protagonist. A single stream, when filmed in tight focus and muted color grading, can echo the film’s symmetry, acting as a silent mirror to the human drama. If you want another example, try The Red Turtle where the river is the only true constant and the light on its surface defines every scene. Just remember, a film that relies on water for the emotional core must still keep its narrative axis clear; otherwise you end up with a picturesque montage and no story.