Though the film only became available to general audiences in June 2022,Marcel the Shell With Shoes On, as a media franchise, has been around since 2010. Marcel was first introduced to the world in a series of short films, which were shot framed within a mockumentary star utilizing stop-motion animation. Marcel is a seashell with a single googly eye on the right side of his head, clad only in a pair of too-large sneakers. The shorts, as well as the recently released feature film, were directed by Dean Fleischer-Camp, and the titular Marcel is voiced by Jenny Slate, who also helped write both scripts.
The three originalMarcel the Shell with Shoes Onshorts, which were released between 2010-2011, was incredibly funny. Marcel is awkward in an endearing way, and the ways in which he navigates the larger-than-life human world around him are the source of constant humor. However, the film also lets audiences explore an entirelydifferent side of Marcel. Given the fact the movie is a full-length picture, a series of simple, joke-filled vignettes simply wouldn’t suffice.
The plot ofMarcel the Shell with Shoes On, though it still allows for Marcel to be funny, is rather serious at times, as he is forced to grapple with the ills of contemporary society and a personal loss. Here are some moments from the Film that will make you cry.
Marcel’s Rapidly Dwindling Family of Seashells
At the beginning of the film,Jenny Slate’s Marcelinforms Dean Fleischer-Camp, who, aside from being the actual director ofMarcel the Shell with Shoes On,portrays himself as the videographer in the internal universe of the film, that there used to be a thriving community of anthropomorphic shells in the house. These shells, who are Marcel’s immediate family, were accidentally packed into a suitcase by the home’s previous owners, leaving only Marcel and his grandmother Connie behind.
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Though Marcel is ultimately reunited with his family before the end, it is tough to see the character struggle with being isolated from his family. Marcel has an incredibly soft and childlike demeanor. Losing his family spurns much of the film’s plot, but hearing Marcel’s voice quiver when discussing his loved ones is incredibly difficult to bear.
The Constant Allusions to Domestic Turmoil
A lot of the drama inMarcel the Shell with Shoes Onis brought aboutby human relationship problems. Fleischer-Camp only moves into the home that houses the seashell after he is divorced. Additionally, it is revealed through flashbacks that the family of anthropomorphic seashells used to hide in a sock drawer to avoid the fallout from fights between the house’s previous, Mark and Larissa. It is when Mark eventually leaves the home that he accidentally packs up Marcel’s family and transports them to an unknown location.
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There is actually some real-life context to the film’s discussion of relationship issues. The two primary creators ofMarcel the Shell with Shoes On, Dean Fleischer-Camp and Jenny Slate, were married from 2012 to 2016. When the film discusses relationships, it is painfully honest, which is sure to strike a chord with audiences everywhere.
The Tragic Death of Nana Connie
Unfortunately, though Marcel is eventually reunited with his extended family, he doesn’t escape the film withoutexperiencing loss. When his family is removed from the home, Marcel is left with only his Nana Connie (Isabella Rossellini), an elderly seashell who is beginning to show the signs of dementia. Near the film’s mid-point, Connie falls off of a washing machine and sustains a crack, which causes Marcel to grow more protective of her grandmother. Marcel is forced to grapple with the fact that he must balance his newfound notoriety, which could result in him finding his family and taking care of his increasingly feeble grandmother. It is easy for audiences to sympathize with the seashell’s struggle to balance personal goals with familial responsibility.
Unfortunately, Nana Connie continues to succumb to her disease throughout the film and eventually passes away while60 Minutesis filming a segment on Marcel and his attempts to seek his family. Fortunately, Connie gets to see television journalist Lesley Stahl, who she had long idolized before she passes. Marcel is heartbroken at the loss of his grandmother and buries her in the house’s garden in a scene that is sure to make even the most hardened moviegoer burst into tears.
Marcel the Shell with Shoes Onhas receivedoverwhelmingly positive reviews. The film balances the humor of the original series with poignant dramatic scenes. Though it’s near impossible to exit a screening without shedding a tear, the film perfectly depicts love and loss and, as such, is absolutely worth the price of admission (and tissues).
