About: The Sheep Detectives (2026) is a mystery-comedy based on the novel Three Bags Full, following a flock of sheep who investigate the murder of their beloved shepherd, George Hardy (Hugh Jackman), in a small English village. The sheep, led by the clever Lily (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), use clues gathered from the mystery novels George read to them to solve the case while helping a bumbling local policeman.
Reaction: To say this is a wonderful film is almost an understatement. I sat in my seat as the credits rolled completely blown away by this wonderful storytelling that a few critics have called “Knives Out Meets Babe” with the charm of the Paddington movies. This is a monumental achievement that tells a fun and engaging story but also has complete depth in both its human and especially its sheep characters who are absolutely set on solving the murder of their sheep-herder George (played in the movies first act by Hugh Jackman, someone I missed wonderfully when he left the story)
Jackman, however, is not just the star here. EVERYONE else here is the true wonder. There is so much talent here before and behind the scenes (I will talk about the performances later). The director is Kyle Balda who is known for directing one of the MINIONS movie and THE LORAX. The writer, Craig Mazin, has also written the screenplay for DUBNE and the TV show Chernobyl. Phil Lord & Chris Miller, fresh off the success of PROJECT HAIL MARY, are the executive producers here. And there has been a lot of interviews lately about how much they had to convince both the human actors along with the voice actors that they were making more than just a simple family movie.
The magic that happens here is in the little details; both the sheep trying to solve the murder is just as interesting as the humans also trying to figure things out. The small town that the movie is set in is also its own character with unique characteristics (there’s a great shot of a neon sign that just feels like it comes out of nowhere but has a great payoff and even a little mention of it later). As for the sheep, they have such a charm to them while also the same time grounding them in THEIR world. One of the funniest scenes I have seen in a movie all year involves when the sheep try to venture out of their farm and find a road; the payoff here is a true laugh out loud moment. But EVERY shot and scene here is truly the work of director Kyle Balda and I can tell his team were truly passionate about making every single big and little detail work. Every shot feels like a painting, or a storybook come to life.
And yes, great performances here, in particular Nicholas Braun as Officer Tim who I think has THE most complete character arc, starting off as a bumbling officer who loves George’s daughter (Molly Gordon) and who we THINK is just missing a few screws, but eventually becomes the smartest character in the room when he figures things out. We also have yet another great and traditional Emma Thompson performance here as a lawyer/bannister who reveals in George’s will that $30 million was left in George’s will, and even THAT has a classic reaction!
Overall, this movie is for EVERYONE as well. I saw both families, adults and seniors all in attendance at the screening. Perhaps VERY young kids might be scared of some of the darker elements, but I also think that if “cool” parents are willing to take a chance, it could also lead to some good conversations as well about its themes At its heart this also a great British comedy in the tradition of the Paddington movies.
Rating: **** out of ****
THE SHEEP DETECTIVES is now streaming on Amazon Prime, although you may be able to still find it playing at a cinema near you!