A film that achieved a near-perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes has just been added to Netflix – and apparently it’s ‘impossible not to love’ the underrated flick.
The unusual movie has not long been added to the streaming platform and according to both critic and audience reviews, it is one not to be missed. Marcel the Shell With Shoes On was initially released back in 2021 to critical acclaim.
It is a mockumentary style feature that utilises both live action as well as stop motion animation. The story follows a filmmaker named Dean who moves into an Airbnb after his divorce. There, he discovers Marcel, a one-inch-tall talking shell living in the home with his grandmother, Nana Connie, and Alan, his pet ball of lint. The shells are sole survivors of a mysterious incident and Marcel finds himself the subject of online stardom after Dean posts clips of him online.
Comedian and actress Jenny Slate, who has appeared in films such as Venom and I Want You Back voices Marcel. She also helped create the character serving as co-writer for the original short films the feature is based on. The film eventually bagged an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature but lost out to Guillermo del Toro’ Pinocchio.
Reviewers loved the film upon its release, with it boasting a 98% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Empire’s review declared: “Funny, profound, weird, sad, and gorgeously constructed — Marcel is a true original, liable to melt even the most cynical heart.” While Vox added: “Hilarious and extremely sweet… a feel-good movie that’s not like anything you’ve seen before.”
It wasn’t just critics who were enchanted by the film as fil fans were also enamoured with the sweet tale of Marcel. One posted online: “It’s nearly impossible not to love this film. Full of heart, joy and humor! It is highly recommended!” While another added: “An entirely preposterous concept, which somehow becomes one of the sweetest and most touching movies I have ever seen.”
A third added that the film will also make you laugh and cry. They said: “I laughed, I ugly cried, I loved it. Perhaps one of the most beautiful, meaningful films I’ve ever seen. I can’t wait to share it with my family. Marcel is truly irresistible, not mention adorable and wise. So many important topics are explored and while I believe this is a movie for all ages, it’s especially wonderful at offering a unique perspective on some big ideas for little people.”
Marcel The Shell With Shoes On is streaming on Netflix.