Netflix Heartwarming Tearjerker Is The Cutest Movie In Years
In 2022, A24 took a gamble on a small and intriguing idea for a film in the live-action/stop-motion animated feature, Marcel the Shell with Shoes On. Directed by Dean Fleischer Camp in what would serve as his feature-length directorial debut, the touching story of a tiny shell voiced by Jenny Slate captured the hearts of audiences everywhere. But Marcel’s journey to a full-blown movie is almost as captivating as the story at its center, as the project was first introduced to audiences in a series of shorts. Now, it’s streaming on Netflix, where you can invite the tiny little dude into your home for a night of wholesome entertainment.
Marcel’s Story
In Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, audiences are introduced to an anthropomorphic shell named Marcel (voiced by Jenny Slate) who lives with his grandmother, Connie. The tiny shell posts a short film about his life onto the internet and immediately becomes a viral sensation, gaining followers left and right. When he uses his platform to try to fulfill his dreams of reuniting with his shell family, people from all over the world rush to help the tiny creature that stole so many hearts.
Marcel’s Origins
The short series of the same name would later spawn the film was penned by Jenny Slate and Dean Fleischer Camp. When the pair saw that there was enough buzz surrounding their title to get it up and running, they made the executive decision to launch a lengthier version of Marcel the Shell with Shoes On which would serve as both a prequel and a sequel to their collection of shorts.
The Theatrical Release
Just as Marcel draws worldwide attention in the story, the film drew a lot of real life fan support. Marcel the Shell with Shoes On enjoyed a slow rollout into cinemas following its premiere at the Telluride Film Festival. After a limited release, it expanded, eventually taking in $7 million at the box office.
A Critical Darling
Marcel the Shell with Shoes On was a favorite among critics who praised the artistic vision and creativity found within the film’s characters and storylines. The award circuit certainly appreciated Fleischer Camp and Slate’s vision as the project received a multitude of nominations at such esteemed events as the Academy Award where it was in the running for Best Animated Feature.
A Launch Pad For Marcel’s Creators
As for the visionaries behind Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, it makes plenty of sense that Jenny Slate was the perfect voice to bring the titular shell to life. Her involvement in the short series based around Marcel was a launching point for her career and led her to nab a role on the weekly sketch show, Saturday Night Live, before doing voiceover work in Bob’s Burgers and Zootopia, as well as appearing as the ever-annoying Mona-Lisa Saperstein on NBC’s Parks and Recreation. Up next, Slate has plenty on her – well, slate – as the actress will be appearing in such films as It Ends with Us, The Electric State, and The Ark and the Aardvark.
Likewise, Marcel the Shell with Shoes On was a big step forward for Dean Fleischer Camp as he’s now the head honcho on Disney’s live-action/CGI remake of the classic animated feature, Lilo & Stitch. See a project close to both Fleischer Camp and Slate’s hearts as Marcel the Shell with Shoes On is now streaming on Netflix.
