The 2024 shocker “The Substance” earned raves, but the film’s extreme gore kept some far away.
Even Art the Clown might recoil at its blend of body horror and extreme FX. Demi Moore deserved an Oscar for enduring such a goopy film set.
“Shell” stakes out similar territory, but you’ll only cringe a few times as its protagonist’s vanity quest goes south. The films share a similar message, but “Shell” knows the concept goes down easier if the story embraces its campy DNA.
Good instincts. And, while “The Substance” is the superior film, “Shell” doesn’t implode in the third act like that 2024 film did.
Elisabeth Moss stars as Samantha, a former sitcom actress trying to resurrect her career. She isn’t as thin or beautiful as she used to be, so when she hears about a mysterious beauty regimen she’s intrigued.
The company behind the process known as “Shell” promises the closest thing to eternal youth. Just look at CEO Zoe Shannon (a divine Kate Hudson). She’s in her late 60s, for crying out loud, but looks like … Kate Hudson.
Samantha decides to try Shell on for size, and she quickly lands a film role and feels immeasurably better about herself.
It’s strange how that works, especially since the film does little to dramatically upgrade Samantha’s appearance. Her psoriasis does clear up in a jiffy, to be fair.
Another side effect? Zoe befriends her, which instantly upgrades Sam’s social status and career potential.
So why does Sam’s Spidey Senses go off long before an inky skin rash blossoms on her neck? It turns out the Shell medical process hasn’t worked all the kinks out.
That’s being kind.
Is Zoe and co. to blame, or has Sam’s poor self-image manifested itself in dramatic fashion?
Screenwriter Jack Stanley makes sure we grasp the gender inequities built into Hollywood, but the script doesn’t wag its finger at us. Yes, Samantha should trust her talent and not fall for a dubious Shell game.
We all know that, but serial rejection can leave one famished for shortcuts. It’s one reason we’re solidly on Sam’s side. The other, of course, is that Moss excels at playing wounded characters whose inner strength rallies in the nick of time.
Remember her shockingly good “Invisible Man” remake?
“Shell’s” heady blend of horror/comedy has its warts, including a lack of sophistication that would sell the social satire better. The film’s quasi-futuristic trappings also reflect a modest budget. They mostly include a cyber watch that doubles as an iPhone.
Whoa!
Director Max Minghella (“Teen Spirit”) keeps the story humming, with new challenges cropping up at the right time. The few action sequences show Sam as resourceful, not Jane Bourne-esque.
Refreshing.
The third act approaches bonkers territory, but given everything we’ve learned up until then, it’s not entirely unexpected.
Moss may anchor “Shell,” but Hudson delivers an outsized performance that sells the material like a crazed carnival barker. She’s sinister but sweet, a manipulative beauty who will do what it takes to preserve her brand.
We’ve seen her kind before, but the performance doesn’t feel routine or predictable.
“Shell’s” main selling point is how it doesn’t take itself too seriously. Sure, there’s a “message” in play, and it’s one more than a few Hollywood suits should hear. The bigger priority is campy fun, and when an oversized crustacean shows up, you know that’s exactly what we’re getting.
HiT or Miss: “Shell” isn’t as message-obsessed as some socially conscious horror films, and it’s all the better for that streamlined approach.
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