The family movies space is dominated by animation. This shouldn’t be a surprise because the bright colours and fantastical art are what pull kids into the cinema. Add their favourite licensed characters and you’ve got them glued to their seats.
This revelation hit home during a recent conversation I had with my seven year old. We were talking about the differences between live action movies and animated features and he was struggling to understand the difference between the two. I tried to come up with examples of the former…. and struggled. After much thinking, I realised that he has only watched two live action movies in his life.
While you wouldn’t necessarily equate a murder mystery with family friendly fare, The Sheep Detectives navigates this genre deftly, blending kid-friendly intrigue with Babe-vibes. In fact, for a curious kid like mine, it might just be the best blend out there.
Based on the 2005 novel, Three Bags Full by Leonie Swann, the movie follows a flock of sheep who are lovingly tended by farmer George (Hugh Jackman). Geroge is a sensitive soul who has names for his entire flock. His tenderness is especially prevalent during bedtime, when all the sheep gather by his feet for the next chapter of his murder mystery storytime.
When George is found dead and his death is ruled a heart attack by the incompetent Officer Derry (Nicholas Braun), it is up to the sheep to uncover the truth. Led by Lily (voiced by Julia Louis-Dreyfus), the smartest sheep who always knows who the killer is, the sheep search for clues and try to nudge Office Derry in the right direction.
The sheep guiding Officer Derry is a great plot device. It cleverly introduces kids to the murder mystery genre. The sheep, who have picked up the knowledge from George’s story sessions, define means, motives and opportunities. Lily reminds the flock that the perpetrator isn’t always the most obvious suspect.
Plot wise, the story is easy enough to follow. However, there are points where I felt the movie rushed through the investigation. The unveiling of the killer, in particular, seemed to happen too hastily, with not as much detail put in to connect the dots.
However, this is a family friendly movie – so while its intention is to be a murder mystery, it must also juggle being family friendly.
And that, comes in the shape of some hilarious, floofy sheep.
I love that this movie leans into the individuality of the flock. They don’t just have names, they have backstories and character traits. They are also backed by an esteemed voice cast.
There’s Sir Ritchfield, the default alpha, who is perfectly voiced by Patrick Stewart. While Stewart brings an air of majesty to Sir Ritchfield, the real patriach should be Sebastian (Bryan Cranston). He is a stoic, wise and street smart ram. However, his secret past has led him to distance himself from the herd.
Mopple, voiced by Chris O’Dowd, is the only sheep who can’t wilfully forget trauma. Consequently, he willingly shoulders this burden for the flock. O’Dowd brings a solid earnestness to this character, who serves as the flock’s historian while protecting everyone from uncomfortable truths.
My favourite sheep, however, are Reggie and Ronnie (both voiced by Brett Goldstein). These doofus twins are hell-bent on rampaging into any shiny automobiles they can find. And if that fails, they are constantly headbutting each other over the silliest arguments.
This personification makes it easy to grow fond of the flock. The subplots about inclusion and social isolation hit especially hard when anchored by admiration for the players. There are some great lessons to be learnt, so we can forgive the mystery plot not being tighter.
The impressive cast list also extends to the live action characters.
Nicholas Galitzine (aka our next He-Man) plays an overeager journalist, itching for a real scoop. He makes the perfect crutch for Braun’s socially awkward Derry. Emma Thompson graces us with her matronly presence, as George’s lawyer, Lydia Harbottle. And of course, Jackman takes to his role like a duck to water (or should I say, sheep to paddock?). While all the parents might know him as Wolverine, his softer, nurturing side is utterly convincing.
While the movie is full of the warm and fuzzies, Sony Pictures recommends The Sheep Detectives for children aged eight and above.
It is a murder mystery, after all. Death is depicted onscreen (albeit in a sanitised way with no blood) and there is a conversation among the sheep that might trigger conversations about life after death.
Additionally, there is a reference to why farmers breed sheep. This scene is is filmed from the perspective of the sheep and is depicted as something scary. If your kids have not made the connection between the lamb chop on their plate and the cute, fluffy lambs in the paddock, prepare yourself for that conversation.
These disclaimers aside, it’s hard to find fault with The Sheep Detectives. It is a great family movie which fills the gap for kids that are growing out of the purely animation stage but are not yet old enough for most live action movies.
I was suprised when Kiddo said yes when I watched the trailer, but the real surprise was seeing this movie strike a good balance of humour, warmth, mystery and intrigue.
The Sheep Detectives open nationwide on Thursday, 7th May.