Marcel the Shell with Shoes On – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Marcel the Shell with Shoes On

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2022

91%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A one-inch shell with a googly eye will make you cry in the best way—tender, weird, and utterly lovely.

98%

→

Marcel the Shell with Shoes On

movie

PG, 2022

91%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A one-inch shell with a googly eye will make you cry in the best way—tender, weird, and utterly lovely.

98%

Jump to

Also rated on

98%

View →

Where to Watch

Loading streaming options...

Where-to-watch data byJustWatch

Screenwise Verdict

This is one of those rare films that adults and kids can watch together and both come away genuinely moved. It's weird in the best way—a stop-motion shell with a googly eye shouldn't make you cry, but here we are.

The creativity is off the charts (Marcel uses a piece of honey as hair gel! He rides a tennis ball!), and the emotional intelligence is exceptional. It deals with loss, loneliness, aging, and resilience in ways that validate hard feelings without being traumatic or preachy.

Fair warning: this is not a zippy Pixar movie. It's contemplative, slow, and deeply tender. If your kid needs constant action, they might zone out. But if they can sit with a quieter, more thoughtful story, this is an absolute gem. The 98% Rotten Tomatoes score isn't hype—it's earned.

Also, you will cry. Just accept it now.

Age Fit

Best for ages 7-12, especially kids who appreciate gentle, emotionally intelligent storytelling. Younger kids (5-6) might enjoy it if they're okay with slower pacing and some tender themes. Tweens will still find it charming, though teens might feel it's too young unless they're nostalgic types.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Exceptionally gentle, emotionally intelligent film centered on kindness, grief, family, and community. Models patience, cooperation, and intergenerational love through Marcel's relationship with his grandmother Connie. The tone is warm, slow-paced (in a good way), and never chaotic. Deals with loss and loneliness in age-appropriate, tender ways that validate sadness without being overwhelming.

Imaginative

Brilliant stop-motion/live-action hybrid that presents a wildly original premise: a one-inch-tall shell with a googly eye living in an Airbnb. The world-building is meticulous and creative—Marcel uses honey as hair gel, rides a tennis ball, has a pet lint named Alan. Invites kids to see everyday objects as potential tools and adventures. The meta-documentary format is fresh and sparks curiosity about filmmaking itself.

Safe

Very safe overall with no violence, sexuality, or inappropriate content. The 'mysterious tragedy' that separated Marcel from his shell community is handled gently (a couple's breakup led to the shells being scattered). Some emotional weight around loneliness, aging, and loss that might be tender for very sensitive kids but nothing shocking or traumatic. Common Sense Media rates it 8+, which feels right. One point of caution: Connie's declining health (she's elderly) is present but treated with warmth and realism, not shock value.

Enriching

Deeply empathetic film that explores grief, resilience, community, and what it means to be seen. Teaches perspective-taking (literally—Marcel's tiny size changes how we view the world), the value of intergenerational relationships, and how creativity and resourcefulness help us survive hard times. The documentary-within-a-movie format offers media literacy lessons about viral fame and storytelling. Genuinely moving without being manipulative. Also just delightful and entertaining—98% on Rotten Tomatoes for a reason.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Universally beloved (98% critic score) for good reason—it's genuinely original and moving without being saccharine
Teaches emotional intelligence through grief, loneliness, and resilience in ways that feel honest and age-appropriate
The stop-motion creativity is mesmerizing—kids will see household objects as potential adventures forever after
Models a beautiful intergenerational relationship between Marcel and his grandmother that's both funny and poignant
Sparks conversations about viral fame, storytelling, and what it means to be seen and valued

⚠

What to Watch For

The pacing is slow and contemplative—this is not Pixar action. Kids used to constant stimulation might get restless
Themes of loss, separation, and aging are handled gently but are emotionally real. Sensitive kids might need reassurance
Connie's declining health (she's elderly) is part of the story—treated with warmth but might prompt questions about mortality
It's genuinely sad in parts. Have tissues ready and be prepared for feelings

Conversation Starters

"If you were tiny like Marcel, what everyday object would you turn into a tool or toy?"
"Marcel lost his family but kept going with creativity and hope. What helps you when you're sad or lonely?"
"Why do you think millions of people fell in love with Marcel's videos? What makes a good story?"
"Marcel and Connie take care of each other. What are ways you help the people you love?"
"The movie is about being small in a big world. When do you feel small? When do you feel big?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic