Marcel the Shell with Shoes On

Marcel is a tiny googly-eyed shell who lives in an Airbnb with his wise grandmother. Although he has his routines that keep him busy, he misses the rest of his community, a collection of other shells that were accidentally packed in a suitcase and taken away. When a new human moves into the house, he’s charmed by Marcel’s unique outlook on life and begins filming his daily adventures for a documentary.

As the human posts videos online, Marcel becomes an internet sensation with millions of fans. While he hopes the fame will help him find his missing family, he’s distraught when his house is swarmed by fans looking for selfies rather than actually helping. When producers from the TV program 60 Minutes offer to feature his story, Marcel isn’t sure the opportunity is worth the risk of further unwanted attention and disappointment.

Told as a fake documentary, Marcel the Shell with Shoes On seamlessly blends stop-motion animation with live action while poignantly exploring themes of loneliness, finding connection, and accepting the inevitability of change as part of life. The film is rated PG, but its contemplative pacing and focus on emotional themes make it more likely to be appreciated by older viewers.

Runtime: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Rated PG
98% on Rotten Tomatoes
IMDb Parents Guide
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