The film *Shell*, directed by Max Minghella, has garnered a mixed reception as it makes its way to digital rental platforms. Critics have highlighted a series of bizarre scenes, including one featuring Kate Hudson as a wellness CEO who coerces Elisabeth Moss into a provocative act involving a giant vibrator. Despite these audacious moments, many reviewers find the film lacking in substance and clarity.
In a particularly striking scene, former showgirl Elizabeth Berkley appears in a cold open, where she tearfully removes shells that have grown on her skin, only to be killed by a masked assailant. The film also features Hudson serving a dinner made from her own discarded skin to intrigued guests, alongside a surreal moment where Kaia Gerber transforms into a lobster. These elements create an impression of campy horror, yet critics argue that the film fails to deliver the engaging experience it promises.
Comparison to The Substance
Many reviewers have drawn parallels between *Shell* and another recent film, *The Substance*, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2022. Both films explore the dark side of the entertainment industry, focusing on actresses struggling for recognition and battling beauty standards. While *The Substance* has been described as “garishly made” but memorable, *Shell* has been criticized for lacking depth and failing to capitalize on its provocative premise.
Moss plays an insecure actress hoping to advance her Hollywood career through a bizarre skincare routine, but reviewers have noted that her performance does not fully convey the absurdity of the role. In contrast, Hudson, in her role as the manipulative CEO, brings a captivating energy that suggests what the film could have achieved with a stronger script and character dynamics.
Critics Highlight Directorial Choices
Critics have pointed out that Minghella, primarily known for his acting, struggles to find a clear direction in his directorial debut. The film’s aesthetic has been likened to a daytime soap opera, with a lackluster score that detracts from the intended horror elements. The screenplay, penned by Jack Stanley, has also been criticized for its lack of wit and depth, with satire that remains too surface-level to effectively engage viewers.
While *Shell* aims to explore themes of beauty and self-perception through its bizarre narrative, it falls short of delivering a cohesive message. According to critics, the film’s failure to fully embrace its ludicrous premise leaves it feeling like a budget imitation, reminiscent of the low-quality horror films of the past.
Despite its shortcomings, *Shell* still seeks to carve out a space in the horror genre. It will be available for digital rental in the United States, while Australian audiences can access it starting on October 30, 2023, and viewers in the United Kingdom can expect it on November 7, 2023. As critics continue to dissect its merits and flaws, *Shell* remains a topic of conversation in the realm of contemporary cinema.
