Marcel the Shell: From Web Sensation to Golden Globe-Nominated Feature Film

Marcel the Shell, a character created by Dean Fleischer Camp and Jenny Slate in 2010, began as a trilogy of viral web short films. Now, a feature-length mockumentary titled 'Marcel the Shell' is set for theatrical release in Italy on February 9, distributed by Lucky Red and Universal Pictures International Italy. The stop-motion film is written and directed by Fleischer Camp, with Slate reprising her role as the voice of Marcel. The story follows Marcel, a small shell with two feet and one large eye, living a solitary life with her grandmother Connie (voiced by Isabella Rossellini) after losing her family under mysterious circumstances. A reporter arrives to make a documentary about her, propelling Marcel to fame and reigniting her hope of finding her community. The film has earned $6.3 million at the North American box office and is nominated for the 2023 Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature. Fleischer Camp resisted producer pressure to alter the character's simple, amateurish nature, prioritizing authenticity despite the challenges. The cast also includes Thomas Mann and Rosa Salazar. The score is by Disasterpeace (Rich Vreeland), known for video game music and the film 'It Follows', and the trailer features Phil Collins' 1986 song 'Take Me Home'.