Netflix subscribers are in for a treat this holiday season with an incredible animated movie that's sure to tug at the heartstrings, now available at no extra charge.
Hailed by enthusiasts as a "miracle" and a "glorious" feat, this understated yet deeply moving picture has captured the affections of countless cinema fans.
With its recent addition to the world's premier streaming service over the weekend, the film is poised to captivate an even larger audience.
Although it doesn't fit the traditional Christmas mould, it stands as an ideal pick for those seeking an alternative after re-watching all the holiday favourites on Disney+ and devouring every Christmas special on BBC iPlayer just be prepared to keep a box of tissues close by.
The film in the spotlight is Marcel the Shell With Shoes On, a heartwarming story about a tiny yet resourceful shell looking after his Nana Connie (played by Isabella Rossellini), reports the Express.
Merging live-action with stop-motion animation, this offbeat mockumentary evolves into something far greater than its initial impression, especially when Marcel (Jenny Slate) faces some profound life realities.
Since its 2021 debut, the film has garnered critical praise and fostered a dedicated fanbase who unanimously concur on one aspect it's overwhelmingly emotional, leaving viewers in tears by its conclusion.
MovieWeb hailed the film as a tearjerker, writing that it is "sure to make you cry" and went on to label it as "painfully honest" and "tragic", pointing out one scene in particular that "is sure to make even the most hardened moviegoer burst into tears".
A Letterboxd user named it "a miracle movie", further expressing that "It's an unbearably poignant work. As devastating as it is deeply funny and engaging. At a certain point, I was crying so much that the screen started to blur. It left me vulnerable and battered and healed."
Another individual was effusive in their praise, saying: "I laughed, I cried, I loved every goddamn second of this glorious film. It is happiness incarnate.
"The simple life of this stupid little shell and his journey to find his family brings an overwhelming amount of comfort and catharsis."
A different reviewer reflected on their personal experience: "Maybe it's 10 days straight watching Festival films, maybe it's the months of being disconnected from people I love or maybe it's just that I needed something that gave me the necessary catharsis to have a good cry.
"Whatever it is, Marcel the Shell has made his way into my heart and left me a happily sobbing mess. Also Isabella Rossellini."
Sabrina Carpenter fans can stream 'A Nonsense Christmas' with Sky's new £15 TV and Netflix bundle.
The Essential TV plan includes more than 100 Sky channels including Sky Atlantic, plus subscriptions to Netflix and Discovery+.
One more person confessed on Reddit that they had an intense emotional reaction to the film: "Cried so hard watching Marcel the Shell with Shoes On".
Sharing a personal anecdote, they said: "As someone who's struggling to cry for years (the last time I've cried my heart out when my dad passed away 7 years ago), I didn't expect that I'd cry so much with this film.
"That specific scene really made me sob like a child. You should definitely watch it. It's one of the most beautiful films this year."
Are you planning to welcome Marcel the Shell into your heart this festive season?
Marcel the Shell With Shoes On is available to stream on Netflix.