The new horror-thriller film 'Shell', from director Max Minghella and writer Jack Stanley, offers a unique blend of comedy, body horror, and campy fun. The narrative centers on Samantha Lake (Elisabeth Moss), a struggling actress desperate to revive her career in a cutthroat industry. Her quest leads her into the orbit of wellness mogul Zoe Shannon (Kate Hudson), whose cosmetic company, Shell, boasts a revolutionary technique that promises to freeze time. However, this pursuit of eternal beauty comes with a steep price, and as Sam uncovers the unsettling truth, she realizes the extreme lengths Zoe will go to protect her burgeoning empire.

Elisabeth Moss, who also serves as a producer on 'Shell', discussed her natural inclination for portraying women facing significant challenges, a recurring theme in her roles. Her collaboration with Max Minghella, her 'Handmaid's Tale' co-star, on 'Shell' was serendipitous. Moss recounts a casual text to Minghella about working together, which unexpectedly led to him presenting the 'Shell' script. She expressed relief and excitement upon loving the script, appreciating its surprising, fun, and unusual tone, describing it as a "wild, absurd, campy ride" that she hadn't seen before.

Moss held immense admiration for Kate Hudson's performance as Zoe, praising her as "fearless" and acknowledging her relentless work ethic. The two actresses shared a concentrated shooting schedule for their scenes, which Moss found to be the most enjoyable part of the production. Their dynamic allowed Moss to maintain her character, Sam, as the grounded center of the film, providing a stable anchor for the audience amidst the story's increasingly wild and bizarre occurrences.

Drawing parallels between her character's struggles and her own extensive career, Moss reflected on the often-challenging nature of auditions. She shared a memorable anecdote from her early career, contrasting an audition where she felt out of place among models with her subsequent audition for 'Mad Men', where playing Peggy Olson felt incredibly natural and like "putting on a pair of your favorite jeans." This personal experience underscored her understanding of Sam's journey as a struggling actress.

Addressing the film's ambiguous ending, Moss confirmed that the subtle, almost-smile on Sam's face after locking Zoe in the chamber was intentional. Both she and Minghella wanted that specific reaction to suggest that Zoe had, in a way, transformed Sam into a "monster" herself, adding a complex layer to the film's conclusion.

Beyond 'Shell', Moss also shared her creative satisfaction with the finale of 'The Handmaid's Tale', despite acknowledging that endings are inherently difficult and can't please everyone. A staunch believer in the creators' vision, she expressed pride in the final season's execution, particularly her idea to use the original voiceover from episode one in the final scene, creating a deeply satisfying circular narrative. Looking ahead, Moss teased her upcoming Apple TV+ series, 'Imperfect Women', promising audiences a "ride" that is both "super fun" and "really entertaining."