4.5 out of 5 stars
It is not surprising that the Youtube Marcel the Shell with Shoes On trilogy has become a sensation over the past few years and has won numerous awards worldwide. Now filmmaker Dean Fleischer along with his ex-wife Jenny Slate have taken their co-production of the live-action stop-motion animated mockumentary style film to the big screen. This quiet and unassuming film has taken the world by storm and will capture the hearts of all willing to listen to the beautiful narrative of the world’s smallest media sensation.
The story begins with the breakdown of the marriage of documentary filmmaker Dean (played by Fleischer himself) who has moved into an AirBnB. As he sorts out his life, the film director discovers the house is inhabited by a one-inch-tall talking shell. Marcel (Jenny Slate) and his grandmother, Nanna Connie (Isabella Rossellini) have lived in the home for years with a community of shells until recently. When the couple move out of the house, the husband unwittingly takes the family of shells with him. This leaves Marcel and his grandmother hoping to discover their relatives' whereabouts and reconnect with the family. As the story unfolds, events lead to unpacking this captivating existence of the little shell with one big eye’s world to a journey of love, courage, grief, and discovery.
Initially, it is difficult to determine how this unpretentious storyline will carry a full-length feature film. Still, Marcel will win over the most sceptical heart in society. With the mockumentary element and overlaying the modern world of influencers and how news operations operate, Fleischer has developed a captivating existence inside the simple home. Even if viewers are familiar with the original Youtube series or are getting introduced to the stop-motion character, this project will draw anyone into this world and leave them wanting more.
What is surprising about the whole experience is how this looks to be made for children with the whimsical innocence of Jenny Slate’s character. Yet, as the story unfolds, there is a depth and maturity that delves into the confronting elements of real life. As the screenplay works through the ridiculousness of the influencers sensation that allows people to connect with individuals without authentic connection. Fleischer begins to peel back the actual experiences of real life and exposes the fascinating aspects of seemingly mundane components of living in this world. His treatment of family, divorce, coming-of-age, dementia, and loss is respectful and unnerving when the audience realises that it is all happening to a small shell in an AirBnB.
Marcel the Shell with Shoes On is one of those rare family discoveries. His story will make you celebrate life as humans, even though it is lived out by a shell wearing shoes. In this world influenced by influencers without much to offer, Marcel is a fictitious character with something to offer those who choose to explore his story.
The word becomes film
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REEL DIALOGUE: Who should influence our lives?
As you unpack the lives of those individuals you want to influence your life on Youtube, it doesn’t take long to realise many have different levels of depth. Their stories allow audiences to see the human experiences of their lives who spend various lengths of time in the public eye. The interest from the general populace can lead to some being placed on pedestals until they show the human side of their lives.
To a lesser degree, we all experience this as we progress through life. Success may come to some of us through sport, academics, business, or other endeavours, but how do we deal with the lower points in life? This is the authentic experience of Marcel and what most of us have going on in our lives.
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. - James 4:10
The issue comes down to where we place our worth and identity. Suppose you put your trust in the accolades of others and in achieving goals. In that case, this will lead to eventual disappointment and depression. As seen in the words of James, the solution is to trust in the Lord for your worth. If all you do is done for the Lord's honour, regardless of how mankind responds to it, God will encourage you. Even though the good and bad times will come, the Lord's support will be the constant that can sustain you.
