Picking the best movie on Netflix is a thankless (and largely futile) task, but if I were asked for an answer, it would be hard to pass up “Marcel the Shell with Shoes On.” This A24 film was added to the streaming service in February, but it’s already headed for the exit door.
Yes, it's only been on the platform for a short while, but it's confirmed that 'Marcel the Shell with Shoes On' will bid farewell to Netflix US on Friday, August 23, leaving you less than a week (at the time of writing) to enjoy this surprisingly brilliant and heartwarming comedy mockumentary.
I've already admired this critically acclaimed and popular film, and have even seen it three times in theaters (and watched it three more times at home), which is a testament to my love for this wonderfully simple film. I've yet to get a bit sick of Marcel's unique perspective on the world and his low-stakes adventure.
If you're looking for something to watch on Netflix, be sure to check out Marcel, before this near-perfect film is removed from the streamer.
What is “Marcel the Shell with Shoes” about?
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Based on a series of viral web shorts of the same name from the early 2010s, “Marcel the Shell with Shoes On” is a feature-length parody documentary that follows the eponymous one-inch-tall anthropomorphic seashell as he tackles the obstacles of everyday life and presents his unique (and often surprisingly insightful) worldview.
Our gateway into Marcel's world is Dean (played by director Dean Fleischer Camp), a filmmaker who recently moved into the shell's house (which is being used as an Airbnb). Fascinated by this charming little creature, Dean decides to make a documentary about Marcel and commits to helping him in his quest to find his long-lost family.
The stakes are fairly modest, and most of the film's 89 minutes are spent simply talking to Marcel. Viewers are treated to his musings on the world, as well as his inventive solutions to everyday problems, such as turning a hollowed-out tennis ball into a rolling vehicle and using sticky honey to climb walls. We also talk about his grandmother, Nana Connie, who has an obsession with “60 Minutes” and its “plucky” host, Leslie Stahl.
Marcel is the positive role model we need right now.
The main reason to watch this 2021 movie is in its name: Marcel is the undisputed star of the show, and the animated shell turns out to be one of the most charming and adorable creations in cinematic history – that's no exaggeration!
Marcel regularly drops hilarious one-liners, like the one explaining why he doesn't like the expression “all's well in the end,” but his thoughts on the world can also be very inspiring, and the character's unwavering positivity is something we could all learn from. In our increasingly cynical society, we need more role models like Marcel.
Jenny Slate voices the character and does a phenomenal job. Marcel has a very youthful, naive quality, but he is capable of thoughtful musings that are wise beyond his years. Marcel is a character you will quickly embrace and want to spend more time with, and you can even get your own Marcel figurine from the A24 store.
I also appreciate that the film, while generally light, doesn't hesitate to get deeper when the moment calls for it. Especially in the second half of the film, Marcel tackles some serious topics like grief and the search for a sense of belonging, and these emotional moments are handled with care and an almost acceptable sense of melancholy. Don't be shocked if you shed a few tears.
You Need to Watch 'Marcel the Shell with Shoes On' Before It Leaves Netflix
I'm certainly not the only one fascinated by “Marcel the Shell with Shoes On.” The film holds an impressive 98% score on Rotten Tomatoesand if you filter by “Top Critics,” the score jumps to a perfect 100%. Its audience score is equally strong, at 90% across over 1,000 individual reviews.
The RT critics' consensus reads: “Poignant, profound, and utterly heartwarming, Marcel the Shell with Shoes On is animated entertainment with real heart,” and that's a perfect summary of this heartwarming little film.
A very positive article came from John Nugent of Empire MagazineThey called the film “funny, profound, strange, sad and beautifully constructed — Marcel is a true original, capable of melting even the most cynical heart.
The envelopeMonica Castillo called it “the cinematic equivalent of a hug,” which is a very apt description, and Stephaine Zacharek of TIME Magazine noted that Marcel proves that “good things really do come in small exoskeletons.”
If you are looking for a top quality Netflix movie that will warm your heart, your search is over. “Marcel the Shell with Shoes On” is perfect for you. Trust me, you need to take the time to enjoy this memorable movie before it leaves Netflix on Friday, August 23.
Once you've met and fallen in love with Marcel, you'll probably want some other viewing recommendations, so be sure to check out our list of best A24 movies (Marcel, of course, ranks high on the list), and for more Netflix picks, we've got a full rundown of everything new on Netflix in August 2024.
Watch “Marcel the Shell with Shoes” on Netflix until August 23