Marcel the Shell with Shoes On

Based on the 2010 stop-motion shorts of the same name written by Jenny Slate and Dean Fleischer Camp, Marcel the Shell with Shoes On tells the story of the titular Marcel (Jenny Slate), a tiny shell (with shoes on, as the title promises) who lives in a big house with his grandmother Connie (Isabella Rossellini). The two were separated from their extended family but get by together, going unnoticed by humans until Marcel is discovered by the documentarian Dean (Dean Fleischer Camp). Charmed by Marcel’s personality, and inspired by his ingenuity, Dean begins filming the shell’s daily activities and eventually uploads these videos to YouTube, setting off a chain of events that opens up the big wide world to little Marcel.

The first thing that stands out about Marcel the Shell with Shoes On is its distinct visual style, hybridising stop-motion animation and live-action footage in a way that really brings Marcel and the world around him to life. The camerawork accentuates the little details of the familiar domestic setting, using Marcel to draw out the extraordinary in the ordinary: his antics bring out interesting parts of everyday life that people often take for granted, and the setting in turn grounds the animation, giving it a real sense of physicality.

The stop-motion animation also works very well for facilitating the film’s storytelling – due to how it’s made there’s always a slight choppiness to most stop-motion footage, and this slight jank helps give the piece a sense of rough intimacy that serves its core themes very well.

Marcel the Shell has a very entertaining story, managing to find a perfect balance between whimsical fun and strong character creation, with thematic throughlines touching on ideas such as making the most of life and embracing change. There’s also room for some commentary on the nature of fame and internet communities, which challenges Marcel’s indomitable idealism and enthusiasm and adds complexity to the narrative without dipping into cynicism.

Overall, Marcel the Shell with Shoes On is a lovely time, combining gorgeous visuals with enchanting characters and effective writing to make a satisfying and immensely charming cinematic experience. It’s sweet without being saccharine, and it’s able to tackle tough topics without losing an iota of its optimistic spirit.

Umar Ali

Marcel the Shell with Shoes On is released nationwide on 17^th February 2023.

Watch the trailer for Marcel the Shell with Shoes On here: