Common Sense Media Review
By Betsy Bozdech
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sweet, poignant mockumentary goes small to make big points.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Marcel the Shell with Shoes On
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 13 parent reviews
Based on 10 kid reviews
Kids say the movie is a charming and wholesome film that resonates with both children and adults, often evoking emotional responses such as laughter and tears. However, opinions vary, with some finding it predictable and slow-paced, while others praise its thoughtful storytelling and cute characters that make it a delightful family watch.
- wholesome family film
- emotional connection
- cute characters
- relatable themes
- mixed opinions
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
MARCEL THE SHELL WITH SHOES ON tells the story of a tiny anthropomorphic shell named Marcel (voiced by Jenny Slate) who lives with his grandmother, Nana Connie (Isabella Rossellini), in a suburban house used as an Airbnb. It's been just the two of them since their large shell family mysteriously disappeared two years before. As Marcel gets to know documentary filmmaker Dean Fleischer-Camp, who's staying in the house while dealing with his own personal drama, the little shell inspires Fleischer-Camp to post videos to YouTube of Marcel going about his everyday life. A fandom is spawned, and eventually Marcel's story reaches the ears of those who might actually be able to help him figure out what happened to his family.
Is It Any Good?
Sweet, poignant, and funny -- but also intentionally calm and thoughtful -- this movie about a tiny shell's unique perspective on life will have you looking at your own surroundings in new ways. Based on a popular series of YouTube videos from the early 2010s, Marcel the Shell with Shoes On is a stop-motion labor of love that took more than six years for Slate and Fleischer-Camp to make. And while fans of the original videos will appreciate the callbacks to jokes about things like Marcel using toenails for skis, there's so much more in this longer version of Marcel's story. The care that clearly went into creating Marcel and his world is evident in every scene, from his tiny honey footprints on the walls (the honey helps him stick) to the elaborate systems he sets up to gather food and move around his house.
While Marcel's journey to find his family feels huge and intimidating to him, it's important to remember that all of this is happening on shell scale. Young kids or those expecting action and adventure may find their attention wandering while Marcel putters around his house and decides what to do. But for those who are able to focus on this tiny hero and what he learns about family, friendship, and taking necessary risks, this lovely little film will have a big impact.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the techniques used to make Marcel the Shell with Shoes On. How do you think the filmmakers made Marcel move? Talk? How long do you think it took to complete the film?
What does Marcel learn over the course of the movie? How does Nana Connie help him grow and take risks? What kind of risks are positive to take in life?
Marcel's story shows how the internet can be both helpful (creating connections) and harmful (loss of personal space/privacy). What do you like and dislike about online life?
How does the movie handle loss and grief? Did any parts make you sad? Were you expecting that?
What audience do you think this movie was made for? How can you tell?
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 24, 2022
- On DVD or streaming : September 6, 2022
- Cast : Jenny Slate , Dean Fleischer-Camp , Isabella Rossellini
- Director : Dean Fleischer-Camp
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : A24
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Friendship
- Character Strengths : Courage , Gratitude , Perseverance
- Run time : 89 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some suggestive material and thematic elements
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : February 7, 2026
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