A Glamorous Life Turns to Horror
Set in the future, the film opens with actress Jenna Janero (Elizabeth Berkley) in her luxury home. While everything outside appears glamorous and wondrous, inside, something tragic and unexplainable is unfolding. Screaming in pain and agony while in the bath, Jenna begs for help as some growth or infection spreads across her body. To make matters worse, Jenna soon realises she’s not alone in the house. Before long, news reports announce that Jenna Janero has officially been declared missing.
A Fading Star in a Ruthless Industry
After the film’s opening, we are introduced to Samantha (Elisabeth Moss), a once-famous actress now struggling to find work on the big screen. Samantha is finding it increasingly difficult to compete against the wave of young, hot, up-and-coming talent all vying for the same roles, and her latest audition ends in yet another rejection. No longer is she noticed or celebrated as she once was, and now, on top of that, she’s battling a series of persistent skin rashes, which certainly doesn’t help her career.
The Temptation of Eternal Youth
However, Samantha’s life is about to change. A new treatment is available that’s delivering extraordinary results, though it’s shrouded in secrecy. The company behind the therapy is Shell, which promises to keep you looking younger forever, and is led by Zoe (Kate Hudson), the CEO of America’s largest health and wellness brand. Although hesitant at first, Samantha eventually accepts the treatment, embracing the promise of a new life and renewed success. Unfortunately, she’s about to discover there’s far more to the process and its results than she ever imagined.
A Stylish Blend of Horror, Mystery, and Dark Humor
Shell is a horror film with a strong dose of mystery. For some audiences, given the plot and the chain of events that unfold, it may even come across as somewhat comedic—but naturally, opinions will vary. The film is directed by Max Minghella, whose previous work behind the camera includes the 2018 drama Teen Spirit. Interestingly, Minghella is even more experienced in front of the camera, having appeared in numerous major films, including The Social Network (2010), The Ides of March (2011), Spiral: From the Book of Saw (2021), Babylon (2022), and many more.
Familiar Themes with a Fresh, Futuristic Twist
Although Shell feels reminiscent of other films such as The Substance, it still brings a few fresh ingredients to the mix. I particularly enjoyed the futuristic elements showcased throughout. While they aren’t essential to the story’s flow, the film’s vision of the future is fun, creative, and visually engaging. Shell may not break new ground conceptually, but the way it presents its ideas feels playful and entertaining. And while it’s only a small part of the overall experience, the film’s gore and violence are executed with impressive style and visual flair.
Strong Performers Undermined by Weak Characters and Tone
The story is highly predictable, lacking genuine surprises, shocks, or jaw-dropping reveals. Although I found Elisabeth Moss engaging on-screen, her character ultimately feels like one of the film’s weaker aspects, as she often behaves in an oddly childlike manner. I was also curious to see Kate Hudson step into the world of body horror. Unfortunately, her performance and character don’t offer anything particularly new or refreshing compared to her previous work. Hudson clearly enjoys herself here, delivering random lines, shouting, and bantering with energy, but the result often comes across as awkward rather than effective. The comedic tone feels misplaced, especially during the film’s major revelations in its third and final act.
A Flawed but Entertaining Slice of Futuristic Body Horror
Shell (2025) will be available in Australian Cinemas from October 30th!
Published: 27th October 2025
Written by: Peter Walkden
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