Max Minghella’s ‘Shell’: A retro-futuristic thriller with a dark comedic twist
A familiar face with a new vision
Most audiences would recognize Max Minghella from his stellar performances in Hulu’s The Handmaid’s Tale or The Mindy Project. However, Minghella is not just an actor; he’s also a writer, producer, and director. With his latest project, Shell, he steps behind the camera for his sophomore directorial feature, reuniting with The Handmaid’s Tale star Elisabeth Moss.
The plot thickens
In Shell, Moss stars as Samantha, an actor who once shone brightly on a hit TV show. Now, a bit older, she finds herself losing roles to younger, fitter actors despite her undeniable talent. Vulnerable and desperate, her agents suggest she try the Shell clinic, which promises eternal youth and beauty. The treatment works wonders, and she befriends Shell founder Zoe (played by Kate Hudson). However, things take a dark turn as Samantha’s skin starts to exhibit strange, grotesque changes, people around her begin to disappear, and she finds herself pursued by both authorities and thugs.
A nod to the past with a futuristic twist
Shell pays homage to the thrillers of the 1980s, blending elements of sci-fi, black comedy, and body horror. Set in a near-future world filled with high-tech electric cars and know-it-all wrist devices, the film offers a satirical look at our obsession with youth and beauty. Produced by Range, Blank Tape, Love & Squalor, and Dark Castle Entertainment, the film’s U.S. sales are handled by WME Independent and CAA Media Finance, with Black Bear representing international sales.
A retro-future vision
Minghella describes the film’s setting as a “retro future,” a vision of the future imagined in the 1990s. This unique aesthetic choice adds a layer of nostalgia and whimsy to the film’s dark themes. Minghella first encountered the Shell script, written by Jack Stanley, in 2018. He was captivated by its imaginative and abstract nature, filled with bold imagery and body horror elements that were not typically aligned with his tastes. Yet, something about the script stayed with him, prompting him to collaborate with Stanley to evolve it into a film that reflects the movies he loved as a kid.
Stellar performances
Hudson’s portrayal of Zoe is nothing short of scene-stealing. Donning expensive outfits that resemble armor and sporting manicured nails that seem impractical, Hudson brings a unique charisma and self-confidence to the role. Minghella praises her performance, noting that she was the only actor he envisioned for the part.
As for Moss, Minghella is equally effusive in his praise. He describes her performance as a master class, particularly highlighting her comedic timing, which is a departure from the roles she typically plays. Moss’s ability to balance the film’s dark and comedic elements adds depth to her character and the overall narrative.
Overcoming challenges
The journey to bring Shell to the screen was not without its challenges. The film survived the pandemic and industry strikes, thanks to the loyalty and excitement of the cast and crew. Minghella reflects on this journey with gratitude, emphasizing the importance of giving actors the space to play and have fun, especially in a comedy.
A film worth watching
Shell is a film that defies easy categorization. It’s a thriller, a sci-fi adventure, a black comedy, and a body horror film all rolled into one. With its retro-futuristic setting, stellar performances, and unique blend of genres, it promises to be a memorable cinematic experience. For those intrigued by the premise, you can watch the trailer here.
Final thoughts
For cinema and TV series enthusiasts, Shell offers a fresh and innovative take on familiar themes. It’s a film that challenges our perceptions of beauty and youth while delivering a thrilling and darkly comedic narrative. Minghella’s vision, combined with the talents of Moss and Hudson, makes Shell a must-watch for anyone looking for a film that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking.