Opened: June 24, 2022

Directed by: Dean Fleischer Camp

Starring: Jenny Slate, Dean Fleischer Camp, Isabella Rossellini, Rosa Salazar, Thomas Mann & Leslie Stahl

Originating in a series of YouTube videos, Marcel the Shell with Shoes On is one of the most heartwarming and surprisingly deep films of the year.

Documentary filmmaker Dean (Dean Fleischer Camp) moves into an Airbnb after his marriage falls apart and discovers Marcel (Jenny Slate) and his Nana Connie (Isabella Rossellini) living there. He makes videos about Marcel that go viral on YouTube and lead to a search for Marcel to find his family.

There’s so much heart in this film. While Marcel can be honest and hilariously sassy, there’s great depth in him missing his family and doing what he can to keep his grandma healthy. Being a character who hasn’t seen much of the world, there’s a strong knowledge of emotions in the tiny shell.

Final say: Marcel is a star and everyone should be watching. ★★★★★