Movie Review: ‘Shell’

In select theaters and on digital October 3rd is ‘Shell’, a blend of body horror, comedy and thriller that stars Elisabeth Moss (‘The Handmaid’s Tale’) and Kate Hudson (‘Running Point’) in the story of a seemingly revolutionary beauty treatment with horrific side-effects lurking within.

​In select theaters and on digital October 3rd is ‘Shell’, a blend of body horror, comedy and thriller that stars Elisabeth Moss (‘The Handmaid’s Tale’) and Kate Hudson (‘Running Point’) in the story of a seemingly revolutionary beauty treatment with horrific side-effects lurking within.   

In select theaters and on digital October 3rd is ‘Shell’, a blend of body horror, comedy and thriller that stars Elisabeth Moss (‘The Handmaid’s Tale’) and Kate Hudson (‘Running Point’) in the story of a seemingly revolutionary beauty treatment with horrific side-effects lurking within.

Directed by Max Minghella (‘The Social Network’) from a script by Jack Stanley (‘Lou’), the movie also stars Kaia Gerber (‘Bottoms’), Este Haim (‘Licorice Pizza’), Arian Moayed (‘Succession’) and Peter MacNicol (‘Ally McBeal’).

Related Article: Elisabeth Moss Talks Max Minghella’s ‘Shell’ and Acting with Kate Hudson

Initial Thoughts

‘Shell’ aims to take some comedically horrific jabs at beauty standards, Hollywood hypocrisy and rich types putting their faith in dodgy technology, yet the stew of different ideas never quite gels.

And in a world in which ‘The Substance’ exists, it looks all the more an example of skin-deep satire.

Script and Direction

Writer Jack Stanley’s previous credits include Netflix action thriller ‘Lou’ and 2023’s ‘The Passenger’ and ‘Shell’ follows a familiar pattern for his script work –– a decent idea somewhat undercut by a descent into trope and familiar plot turns.

As director, Max Minghella finds some entertaining moments, but the overall effect is somewhat hindered by a lack of grasp on tone and some very predictable points being made.

Cast and Performances

Moss’s ‘Handmaid’s Tale’ connection to Minghella might explain her presence in this when she’s otherwise normally known for more complex and intriguing stories. But she’s perfectly fine in the role of an actress suffering the slings and arrows of a near-future Hollywood.

Kate Hudson, meanwhile, has a largely predictable role as a seemingly beneficent owner of the eponymous beauty company who turns out –– to surely no-one’s surprise –– be harboring some dangerous secrets.

Both the leads do solid work, but neither can really prevent it from going off the rails in the final act.

Final Thoughts

The themes presented in ‘Shell’ are worth repeating; it’s just a shame that the movie has a very basic view on them all. There’s some gloopy body horror to be had, but it’s a minor effort in the genre.

‘Shell’ receives 60 out of 100.

What’s the story of ‘Shell’?

Desperate to reclaim her career, once-beloved actress Samantha Lake (Elisabeth Moss) is drawn into the glamorous world of wellness mogul Zoe Shannon (Kate Hudson)—only to uncover a monstrous truth beneath its flawless surface.

Who is in the cast of ‘Shell’?

Elisabeth Moss as Samantha Lake
Kate Hudson as Zoe Shannon
Arian Moayed as Dr. Hubert
Kaia Gerber as Chloe Benson
Este Haim as Lydia
Elizabeth Berkley as Jenna Janero
Amy Landecker as Detective Flores
Lionel Boyce as Detective Abramson

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