The Sheep Detectives - Wooly Warm Who dunnit

 The Sheep Detectives

English - Comedy / Mystery
104 mins
In Cinemas

Family-friendly Hollywood films, barring endless animated sequels and increasingly unnecessary Disney live-action remakes, have become surprisingly rare. A few weeks ago, Project Hail Mary was one such pleasant surprise that I thoroughly enjoyed with my 12-year-old. This Saturday morning, as a family, we had a wonderful time watching The Sheep Detectives (TSD).

Much like Babe (my favourite), Paddington, Fantastic Mr. Fox, or Chicken Run, TSD belongs to the rare category of warm, fuzzy, endearing cinema. Light humor, gently emotional, unapologetically optimistic and comforting.

Based on the German novel "Three Bags Full" by Leonie Swann, the film is adapted by Craig Mazin (Chernobyl, The Last of Us), who trades apocalypse and trauma for this woolly little heart-warmer.

Just outside the small town of Denbrook lives shepherd George Hardy (Hugh Jackman), who tends lovingly to his flock in his sprawling meadow. George believes every sheep deserves a name, cares for them deeply, ending each day by reading mystery novels aloud to them. While his life mostly revolves around these gentle creatures, his interactions with the townspeople is mysterious.

One morning - George is found dead.

The investigation falls into the hands of the gloriously bumbling Officer Tim Derry (Nicholas Braun), who may not be the sharpest detective in town. Unbeknownst to him, he has help in the form of George’s sheep. Lily (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), Sebastian (Bryan Cranston), and Mopple (Chris O’Dowd), have spent years absorbing George’s story readings and are surprisingly capable amateur detectives themselves.

The sheep are unquestionably the true stars of the film and the movie understands this completely. They get most of the screen time. There are some absolute characters as well. The voice cast is genuinely terrific. Alongside the already-mentioned, you also have Sir Patrick Stewart (Sir Richfield),  Brett Goldstein (Roy Kent from Ted Lasso) hilariously voicing twin rams Ronnie and Reggie and Regina Hall as Cloud, among others.

The film builds a surprising amount of affection around sheep behaviour itself. How they are  known to be “stupid” and how they “forget” things, the significance of a “winter lamb,” and their tiny insecurities and loyalties. There is a strong emotional undercurrent throughout, though thankfully the film never becomes overly sentimental. And yes, in the end… sab accha hi hota hai.

Among the live-action cast, Nicolas Braun is endearing. Anyone familiar with Cousin Greg from Succession will instantly recognise the same awkward energy. Jackman, meanwhile, makes a warm and commanding presence.

The movie has just the right mix of humor and emotion. The run time is also absolutely spot on, making it a perfect family watch. A weekend morning show with talking sheep solving a murder mystery is just the kind of a positive life affirmation that we deserve.