I missed the viral short that came out 11 years ago, but when I saw the trailer for the feature, I knew I really wanted to catch this one.

I’d like a break from storytelling that’s rooted in conflict. I’d like a vacation from stories concerning a series of violent encounters with level bosses, culminating in a fiery crescendo. 

Marcel is an anthropomorphic shell who leads a sheltered life with his grandmother — voiced by Isabella Rossellini. They were both abruptly separated from their family and larger community of debris-creatures and though there are good days, they’re clearly wounded by the separation. 

This is a story about people caring for each other and losing each other, connecting and reconnecting, affirming life. No enemies. No death from above.

There’s a moment in the movie, that’s shot like a documentary, where Marcel pauses and asks the cameraman, “Do you know why I smile so much?” Answering his own question he says, “Because it’s worth it.” It’s an ambiguous statement. Maybe he was talking about life being worth it or smiling itself. I’d be happy with either interpretation.