All Screenings: Pre-recorded introduction from first assistant director and former Nashvillian Drew Langer
Marcel is an adorable one-inch-tall shell who ekes out a colorful existence with his grandmother Connie and their pet lint Alan. Once part of a sprawling community of shells, they now live alone as the sole survivors of a mysterious tragedy. But when a documentary filmmaker discovers them amongst the clutter of his Airbnb, the short film he posts online brings Marcel millions of passionate fans — as well as unprecedented dangers and a new hope at finding his long-lost family. A beloved character gets his big-screen debut in this hilarious and heartwarming story about finding connection in the smallest corners.
“As the soul of our star shell, [Jenny] Slate gives a wonderful performance, voicing Marcel’s nonstop questions, both poignant and inane, with a genuine sense of curiosity. It’s the kind of heartfelt performance that brings to mind a Pixar movie…but by the film’s end, it feels like the cinematic equivalent of a hug. It’s comforting and cheerful because even the saddest of moments don’t last long. There are always more adventures, more jokes and more songs to sing for little Marcel the Shell and his newfound audience: us.” —Monica Castillo, The Wrap “Many films claim to be an antidote to this moment in history, but Marcel's flick might be the first one I've seen in the past two years that actually fits that bill.” —Lovia Gyarkye, Hollywood Reporter