---
title: "The Sheep Detectives"
year: 2026
kind: "film"
canonical: "https://film.one/film/the-sheep-detectives"
fi1m_id: "the-sheep-detectives"
imdb_id: "tt32565993"
tmdb_id: 1301421
wikidata_id: "Q126405648"
fi1m_score: 76
critics_score: 71
critics_reviews: 22
published: "2026-09-23T12:16:59.308542+00:00"
updated: "2026-09-23T12:16:59.864279+00:00"
region: "VN"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# The Sheep Detectives (2026)

Directed by Kyle Balda · 1h 49m · Comedy, Family, Mystery

## Identity

The Sheep Detectives

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/the-sheep-detectives
- **Type:** Film
- **Fi1m ID:** the-sheep-detectives
- **IMDb ID:** tt32565993
- **TMDB ID:** 1301421
- **Wikidata ID:** Q126405648
- **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32565993/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/1301421, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q126405648

**Fi1m score: 76** · Critics 71 from 22 reviews

*In a sentence:* The sheep take murder seriously; the humans could learn a thing or two

> Kyle Balda’s farmyard whodunnit is funny and unexpectedly moving, with Julia Louis-Dreyfus giving its sheep detective a persuasive voice. The human characters are less convincing, and the cosy mystery sometimes struggles to keep up with the flock.

## Synopsis

On a farm, the sheep begin investigating the murder of their shepherd, George Hardy (Hugh Jackman). Lily (voiced by Julia Louis-Dreyfus) takes the lead, with Mopple (voiced by Chris O’Dowd) among the flock trying to understand what has happened. Their task means making sense of human behaviour from an animal’s point of view, as they search for whoever is responsible. The death also leaves them without the person who cared for them. As Lily and her companions turn their attention to the human world, their search for a killer becomes tangled with questions about loss, memory and how they can look after one another.

## Review

*The Sheep Detectives* is a good family comedy with a murder to solve and some awkward conversations about death to get through. Kyle Balda keeps the animals sufficiently sheep-like for their attempts to understand people to be funny, while allowing their distress to matter. The result is warm, odd and worth an evening, provided a watertight whodunnit is not the chief requirement. The human characters could do with some of the same care.

Craig Mazin’s screenplay, adapted from Leonie Swann’s novel, gets its most useful joke from the sheep’s limited understanding of human behaviour. A murder mystery depends on noticing what other people miss, so animals trying to decipher people make plausible investigators within this peculiar set-up. It also means that bewilderment can lead naturally into something sadder. George Hardy, played by Hugh Jackman, matters to the flock as the person who cared for them, and his death is allowed to remain upsetting even while there is a case to pursue.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus gives Lily the determination to carry this without making her sound like a detective who has merely been given wool. There is enough uncertainty in the performance for her growing understanding to cost her something. Chris O’Dowd brings a melancholy intelligence to Mopple, helping the film consider memory without stopping for a lesson. We were moved more than we expected by the flock’s struggle to understand the loss of their shepherd: their dependence on him makes the confusion painful.

The digital sheep are convincing enough that we soon stopped inspecting them and started listening. George Steel’s cinematography keeps the live-action surroundings from overwhelming the digital flock, while Suzie Davies’s production design makes the farm feel sufficiently solid to house them. The visual humour works because the sheep remain recognisably animals, even when the voices are doing complicated emotional work. Kyle Balda knows how much comedy there is in asking a sheep to take something seriously, and generally resists making every moment a demand for affection.

The humans are the chief weakness. Craig Mazin’s script gives them a degree of exaggeration that sits awkwardly beside the care spent on the sheep, and the performances do not always agree about how broadly to play it. Too often, the human ensemble seems to be demonstrating how funny the premise is instead of getting on with the business of a mystery. There is already a flock conducting a murder investigation; additional eccentricity soon becomes a distraction from both the clues and the animals.

Editors Martin Walsh, Al LeVine and Paul Machliss keep the comedy moving briskly, but cannot quite smooth the changes between animal whimsy and straightforward detection. Some passages feel as though the film has remembered another audience it ought to be entertaining. Christophe Beck’s score is an irritation when it keeps signalling how quirky everything is. The quieter emotional scenes need room, and the music sometimes seems reluctant to leave them alone.

As a family film, it earns its place by letting children think about death without immediately distracting them from it. The humour can be precious, and the mystery will not satisfy anyone looking principally for ingenious detection. But the sheep have enough personality to make their worries worth sharing, and the film treats those worries with respect. Choose it for company across the generations, with a little time afterwards for questions about the shepherd.

*Fi1m score 76, published 23 September 2026.*

## What the critics say

Most critics find The Sheep Detectives a warm, offbeat family mystery, with praise centred on the sheep ensemble, lively voice performances and humour rooted in the animals’ perspective. The handling of grief, memory and belonging earns particular approval: several reviews find more emotional depth than the talking-animal premise suggests. The digital sheep and visual comedy also win broad support, while the stronger notices credit the film with appealing across ages without condescension.

The reservations concern uneven writing, cartoonish human characters and an uncertain balance between cosy comedy and murder mystery. Even some favourable reviews find stretches too precious or only mildly funny. The spread is fairly wide, with two firmly negative assessments challenging the majority’s affection. The Times finds the animals synthetic and the comedy short of charm; The Hollywood Reporter considers the sheep unsettling and the story too dark for children yet too silly for adults.

## Straight answers

**Is The Sheep Detectives worth watching?**

*The Sheep Detectives* is worth watching for its funny, unexpectedly moving flock, and we score it 76. We recommend it for a family evening rather than an exercise in ingenious detection: the human characters are less convincing, and its treatment of the shepherd’s death may leave children with questions afterwards.

**How long is The Sheep Detectives, and what is it rated?**

*The Sheep Detectives* runs 1h 49m. It is a comedy and family film.

**Where can I watch The Sheep Detectives in Vietnam?**

*The Sheep Detectives* is not on any streaming or rental service in Vietnam at the moment. It is available in 48 other countries; change your country at the top of the page to see where. Availability is checked daily.

**How does The Sheep Detectives compare to Babe?**

*The Sheep Detectives* shares [*Babe*](https://film.one/film/babe)’s respect for animal worries, but adds a murder investigation and a frank concern with loss. We favour *Babe* for the more assured family comedy; the sheep’s appeal lies in their puzzled attempts to understand humans, though the exaggerated human characters and uneven mystery make their film less consistent.

**Is The Sheep Detectives based on a true story or a book?**

*The Sheep Detectives* is adapted from a novel by Leonie Swann, with a screenplay by Craig Mazin, rather than presented as a true story. No familiarity with the book is needed to follow the flock’s investigation; we recommend the film for its animal humour and handling of grief, without making a claim for its faithfulness to the novel.

**What should I watch after The Sheep Detectives?**

After *The Sheep Detectives*, try [*Babe*](https://film.one/film/babe) (1995, Fi1m 88): Another farmyard community whose animal worries deserve to be taken seriously. Then [*Chicken Run*](https://film.one/film/chicken-run) (2000, Fi1m 84): Farm animals organise against human danger, with firmer plotting and drier jokes; and [*Ernest & Celestine*](https://film.one/film/ernest-and-celestine) (2012, Fi1m 84): Animal outsiders build a friendship in a world governed by unreasonable fears.

### Reviews we read (22)

- **The New York Times**, Alissa Wilkinson (Critic's Pick): The critic finds the film delightful, funny, and emotionally complex, a rare modern PG family movie that appeals across ages without condescension. The sheep's perspective and the story's handling of themes like grief are highlighted as strengths. [Read](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/07/movies/the-sheep-detectives-review.html)
- **Vulture**, Alison Willmore (85/100, inferred): The movie has no business being as good as it is, delivering emotional resonance through its talking sheep characters who confront grief and reality in a coming-of-age story for the lead sheep Lily; it evokes Babe but stands out for its touching handling of death and memory. [Read](https://www.vulture.com/article/the-sheep-detectives-movie-review.html)
- **RogerEbert.com**, Nell Minow (84/100, inferred): The critic praises the film as a charming, witty all-ages murder mystery with endearing sheep protagonists and strong production values. The seamless visual effects and character-driven humor are singled out for particular commendation. [Read](https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-sheep-detectives-hugh-jackman-movie-review-2026)
- **Variety**, Guy Lodge (84/100, inferred): The critic calls it a wholesome, offbeat all-ages comedy that revives the genuine family movie with charm and wit. The delightful digital sheep ensemble and the balance of humor with gentle emotional wisdom are singled out. [Read](https://variety.com/2026/film/reviews/the-sheep-detectives-review-1236731034/)
- **The AV Club**, Tim Grierson (B): A winning PG comedy that combines detective and family film elements effectively, evoking Babe with important lessons on death and community, highlighted by a wonderful Julia Louis-Dreyfus voice performance; however, it can occasionally be too corny or precious. [Read](https://www.avclub.com/the-sheep-detectives-review)
- **The Observer**, Wendy Ide (77/100, inferred): An appealingly offbeat family film with strong CGI and visual humour, let down by slapdash writing and quirky score, but one of the better current options for children. [Read](https://observer.co.uk/culture/film/article/the-sheep-detectives-has-crime-ever-been-this-cosy)
- **The Guardian** (76/100, inferred): The film is a sweet-natured family comedy about sheep solving a murder, cross between Babe and cosy crime stories, with an amusing cameo from Emma Thompson. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/apr/27/the-sheep-detectives-review-hugh-jackman)
- **The Telegraph** (72/100, inferred): A tame, pleasant and lightly funny family-friendly comic thriller with impressive CGI sheep, though the premise feels profoundly odd. [Read](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/2026/04/27/the-sheep-detectives-review/)
- **Empire**, Harry Stainer (70/100, inferred): The film is a tonally confused but engaging whodunnit with an identity crisis between whimsy and straight mystery. It singles out the strong voice cast and the film's heartfelt meditations on grief, inclusion and caring for praise. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/the-sheep-detectives/)
- **Screen Daily** (70/100, inferred): The critic views it as an idiosyncratic, slightly feverish yet strangely charming mash-up of Babe and Knives Out, with a starry cast and offbeat family adventure about sheep solving a murder. They note the warm-hearted pathos mixed with dry one-liners and brisk comedic staging. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/the-sheep-detectives-review-hugh-jackman-leads-an-all-star-cast-in-offbeat-murder-mystery/5216086.article)
- **Little White Lies** (3/3/3): The critic describes it as a likable, amiable comedy adapting the novel into a cosy crime story with CGI sheep solving their shepherd's murder. They highlight the added existential depths alongside the teatime murder-mystery elements. [Read](https://lwlies.com/reviews/the-sheep-detectives)
- **Radio Times** (3/5): The critic finds it generates plenty of fun for the whole flock as a baa-rmy whodunnit pairing talking animals with a murder mystery. They praise the sublime international ensemble cast and how it succeeds more when leaning into its madness. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movies/the-sheep-detectives-review/)
- **Time Out** (3/5): The critic calls it a frisky and charming murder-mystery caper with talking sheep and a clever plot, though not quite matching the heights of Babe. They single out the director's handling of the story, jokes, and deeper thoughts for all ages. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/the-sheep-detectives-review-2026)
- **The Times**, Kevin Maher (★★☆☆☆): A depressingly tepid family comedy with a globalist sheen, synthetic CGI animals and lack of cultural roots or genuine charm. [Read](https://www.thetimes.com/culture/film/article/sheep-detectives-review-film-hugh-jackman-emma-thompson-bryan-cranston-bcxssw3zj)
- **The Hollywood Reporter**, Frank Scheck (39/100, inferred): The film is woolly-headed and fails to gel despite a talented cast and crew; the photorealistic CGI sheep feel creepy rather than cute, and the story is too dark for kids and too silly for adults. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/the-sheep-detectives-review-hugh-jackman-emma-thompson-1236574806/)
- **Deadline**, Pete Hammond (82/100, inferred): The critic finds the film a delightful family-oriented whodunit that blends the charm of Babe with the clever plotting of Knives Out. Hugh Jackman's shepherd role and the voice performances of the sheep ensemble are singled out as highlights. [Read](https://deadline.com/2026/04/the-sheep-detectives-review-hugh-jackman-murder-mystery-1236873022/)
- **Collider**, Tania Hussain (8/10): The critic calls it a charming, smart whodunit with real heart. They single out the surprisingly tender story about loss, loneliness, and found family beneath the cozy mystery surface. [Read](https://collider.com/the-sheep-detectives-review-hugh-jackman-amazon-mgm/)
- **HeyUGuys**, Linda Marric (4/5): The film is described as a rare family movie that balances light whimsy with surprising profundity through its talking sheep solving a murder. It singles out the lively voice performances and sincere treatment of farm life and loss for praise. [Read](https://www.heyuguys.com/the-sheep-detectives-review/)
- **The Wrap** (79/100, inferred): The review calls the movie a cozy and entertaining ewe-dunnit that succeeds as a charming farm-animal mystery. The voice cast of sheep investigators and the whimsical adaptation of the source novel are highlighted as strengths. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/creative-content/movies/the-sheep-detectives-movie-review/)
- **Film Stories**, James Harvey (70/100, inferred): The review praises the sheep voice cast and their handling of the murder mystery premise, noting strong moments of humor and emotional depth around remembrance and community. It criticizes the uneven human performances and accents, which disrupt the cozy tone. [Read](https://filmstories.co.uk/reviews/the-sheep-detectives-review-and-then-there-wool-none/)
- **The Playlist**, Marshall Shaffer (B-): The review highlights the heartfelt sheep ensemble and their witty, emotional journey as the film's strongest element, evolving into meaningful commentary on memory and belonging. It complains that the human characters feel overly silly and cartoonish, preventing the film from reaching its full potential. [Read](https://theplaylist.net/the-sheep-detectives-review-a-sincere-murder-mystery-for-kids-undercut-by-silliness-20260430/)
- **Digital Spy**, Jo Berry (3/5): The film is a cute but only mildly amusing whodunnit aimed at younger children, serving as a sweet introduction to the cosy crime genre. The voice cast stands out, particularly Chris O'Dowd as the wise and melancholy sheep Mopple, while the human cast is underused and the humour lacks uproarious laughs. [Read](https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a71135727/sheep-detectives-review/)

## Details

- **Director:** Kyle Balda
- **Director:** Kyle Balda
- **Screenplay:** Craig Mazin
- **Novel:** Leonie Swann
- **Cinematography:** George Steel
- **Editor:** Paul Machliss, Martin Walsh, Al LeVine
- **Music:** Christophe Beck
- **Production design:** Suzie Davies
- **Costume design:** Rosa Dias
- **Producer:** Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Lindsay Doran
- **Cast:** Hugh Jackman as George Hardy; Nicholas Braun as Officer Tim Derry; Nicholas Galitzine as Elliot Matthews; Molly Gordon as Rebecca Hampstead; Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Lily (voice); Bryan Cranston as Sebastian (voice); Chris O'Dowd as Mopple (voice); Regina Hall as Cloud (voice)
- **Runtime:** 1h 49m
- **Release (Vietnam):** 8 May 2026
- **Genres:** Comedy, Family, Mystery
- **Budget:** $75 million
- **Box office:** $132 million
- **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=826SRt1CFbg

## Where to watch in Vietnam

Not streaming, renting or buying in Vietnam at the last check.

Also available in: AE, AR, AT, AU, BE, BG, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, CZ, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HK, HR, HU, ID, IE, IL, IN, IS, IT, JP, KR, LT, MX, MY, NL, NO, NZ, PA, PH, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SG, TH, TR, US, ZA. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country.

## If you liked this

- *Babe* (1995), Fi1m 88: Another farmyard community whose animal worries deserve to be taken seriously. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/babe.md)
- *Chicken Run* (2000), Fi1m 84: Farm animals organise against human danger, with firmer plotting and drier jokes. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/chicken-run.md)
- *Ernest & Celestine* (2012), Fi1m 84: Animal outsiders build a friendship in a world governed by unreasonable fears. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/ernest-and-celestine.md)
- *A Town Called Panic* (2009): For more unruly rural absurdity, with considerably less respect for everyday logic.
- *The Lady Vanishes* (1938), Fi1m 88: A sharper mystery in which polite human behaviour proves thoroughly unreliable. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-lady-vanishes.md)

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/the-sheep-detectives