Dean Fleischer Camp directed this faux documentary that follows a tiny shell, named Marcel, as he discovers a measure of internet fame, its upside and down, and a measure of loss and the importance of family and change.

Filled with beautiful stop-motion animation blended brilliantly with live action, the story finds Camp playing a version of himself. Dean is spending time in a Air BnB that is run by Marcel (Jenny Slate) and his Aunt, Connie (Isabella Rossellini), following his separation from his romantic partner.

No one has ever paid attention to Marcel before, and Dean finds the little shell a fascinating subject, documenting the little being’s everyday life, and how he gets by, following the accidental departure of the rest of his family.

When the videos Dean posts on YouTube really take off and generate a lot of interest, Marcel doesn’t understand how people can be fans of something, and not be family. People are doing things for the ‘likes’ not any real sense of goodwill or desire to help. But there is good to be had as well, 60 Minutes reaches out to Dean and Marcel, and despite Connie’s failing health, they go ahead with an interview in the hopes of learning where the rest of the family is.

Filled with brilliant, and silly moments that make the character real, and feel like actual undocumented bits of real life, but with a shell, Marcel entertains, delivers important messages, and is one of those brilliant pieces of film that is perfect for the entire family.

This is one of those films that when you hear the pitch, you’re not sure about it, but when you sit down and actually watch it, it leaves you gobsmacked by how beautifully made the film is and how powerfully it can hit you emotionally.

The film was nominated for one Oscar, Best Animated Feature, but didn’t take it.

There are lots of fun things to see throughout the film, and a lot of laughs to be had, and I won’t spoil a single one. If you can go into this one mostly blind, then do it, I only knew the title, and the general synopsis and I loved every minute of this film.

Don’t be put off by they words animation, seek this one out, share it with loved ones and revel in the beauty and the art that is stop-motion animation. Marcel the Shell with Shoes On is a wonderful and joyous film, and should be celebrated. Check it out.