The Sheep Detectives (2026)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A tame, pleasant and lightly funny family-friendly comic thriller with impressive CGI sheep, though the premise feels profoundly odd.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A depressingly tepid family comedy with a globalist sheen, synthetic CGI animals and lack of cultural roots or genuine charm.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.