I had heard very good reviews on this film when it came out, now I’m kicking myself for not having run to the theatre to see this. It’s such a beautiful film in every way possible. The emotional intelligence of the story and themes in The Sheep Detectives is what elevates it, along with incredible performances from everyone on screen and voice acting. Hugh Jackman sets the tone as George. With limited screen time you feel like you know exactly the kind of compassionate and upstanding man he is, even if he does hold a few grudges against others of town, for good reason. The small detail of George naming every sheep because they deserve to have a name shows how he sees them as more than just a flock of sheep. I also love how different his flock is, a detail that isn’t discussed but clearly he brings in sheep to give them a great life, like he did with Sebastian. Hugh had such a big impact in a little bit of screen time and it set all of the rest of the amazing film up.
Each of the sheep added so much personality. Lily is the perfect lead voice for the flock. Julia Louis-Dreyfus was the best pick for Lily. She is smart and grounded and knows how to communicate with all the rest, but she also doesn’t understand death in reality. Only in the stories they were told. This movie handles the concept of death in a very mature manner. Every sheep has their own reaction to George’s death and questions around it. Sebastian seems to know the most about it and gives the stern answers when needed. Bryan Cranston was a great pick for Sebastian in the sense he can come off stern but reasonable and experienced all at once. Then you have Mopple that is the perfect comedic sheep for the main story. Can’t mention the sheep without mentioning the Winter Lamb. He is so stinking cute and every scene you find yourself wondering how he is doing and if he will be accepted.
The murder mystery element is also top tier. You have a goofy cop that comes full circle with him getting taken seriously at the end, the sheep doing most of the work, and a convoluted will that really does keep you guessing on who could have really killed him. I never expected Elliot Matthew’s to be his son, it was so well covered up and done that it made sense with the green hand of George that you eventually figure out. Thought only Knives Out was capable of doing this family style detective murder mystery, but Sheep Detectives may have been Knives Out at its own game. Uncovering facts progressively throughout while keeping the pace of the story, interjected with humor and heart, is a masterful skill that Kyle Balda showcased perfectly.
Also, this movie is HYSTERICAL. There are so many hilarious bits. There is a small exchange between the sheep talking about God that is just absolutely brilliant comedy. The sheep have so many exchanges that leave you with a chuckle The butcher counting sheep and falling asleep had me pointing at my TV laughing, while the chicken crossing the road had me in tears. Speaking of tears, finding out Lily was named after George’s late wife was so emotional. Goes back to George saying every sheep deserves a name. That name had meaning to her being his favorite. Lily then gives the winter lamb the name “George” at the end, which left me in a puddle of tears. Bringing the theme of acceptance full circle that was showcased with George taking in different types of sheep, Sebastian’s story, and now the winter lamb George being accepted by the flock. So powerful and emotionally wrecked me. In the best way possible. The movie was so heartwarming it’s one you can’t help but tell all your friends and families that they have to run to their TV and watch it. I will be singing the praise of this film for as long as I can.
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