Greg from “Succession” solving a murder with help from sheep wasn’t on my 2026 bingo card, but I’m not complaining.
Nicholas Braun, who earned Emmy nominations for his work in the HBO series, is part of an ensemble cast in this family feature. Braun stars as a police officer in a small town named Tim, who is suddenly tasked with looking into the mysterious death of a local shepherd, George Hardy (Hugh Jackman).
However, he’s not the only one investigating George’s demise. A murder mystery fan, George often read detective novels, and did so out loud to his flock of sheep. The group of animals, led primarily by Lily (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), feel obligated to get justice for George as well, and try to help the case by relying on what they learned in stories.
Not that I don’t enjoy animated films, but it is nice to see a live action family movie roll into theaters that’s not an adaptation of a Disney cartoon feature. It’s especially a good deal when that movie is enjoyable, and that’s the case with “The Sheep Detectives.”
It’s a flick that’s plenty silly and there’s certainly a feeling of levity throughout the picture (despite a death taking place), yet there’s also plenty of earnest heart. Impressively, that’s true with both the sheep and human characters.
As a family picture, the movie is well managed, too. There’s enough zany comedy as well as good lessons on community and acceptance for younger viewers to get a full experience, while also containing an entertaining whodunit situation with familiar tropes that older audiences can appreciate.
The cast of characters, both human and sheep, are also pleasant to follow. For one, it helps with how loaded this group is. There’s Emmy winners Julia Louis Drewyfus, Bryan Cranston and Brett Goldstein, Oscar nominees Hugh Jackman and Hong Chau, plus Academy Award winner Emma Thompson.
They’re joined by a host of reliable supporting talent with the likes of Braun, Molly Gordon, Regina Hall, Chris O’Dowd and the always great Patrick Stewart. Their combined efforts, both through voice work and on-screen performances, really liven characters who are fairly standard, from the bumbling police officer to the more comic relief sheep.
The film does encroach on two-hour territory which does feel like it’s a bit much. That’s not to say the movie wears out its welcome, by any means. But at the same time, there’s the sense this could have been trimmed down somewhat. While no time is really wasted in the movie, with the picture even having some interesting scenes dealing with grief and belonging, it could still be tightened.
Perhaps, the shortening could come earlier on, as the ball could have gotten rolling here a bit faster. Or, maybe use the time more wisely in digging into the personality of some characters on top of just their motives. There’s also the matter that CGI animals are always going to look just a bit artificial, and that’s true here. But they’re so lovable here that one can overlook that.
Regardless, “The Sheep Detectives” largely succeeds in what it sets out to do, and that is being a family crowd pleaser with a mystery that is properly set up and paid off. Director Kyle Balda has a wealth of experience in family films, and he allows the strongest parts of the genre to shine, which is helped by the good cast. 3.75 out of 5.
Courtesy Lord Miller Productions and Amazon MGM Studios
