The Sheep Detectives – Film Review
by Brian Merriman

Directed by Kyle Balda
Written by Craig Mazin
Based on Three Bags Full by Leonie Swann
Produced by Lindsay Doran, Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner
Visual effects for the film were completed by Framestore, and Clear Angle Studios
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Nicholas Braun, Nicholas Galitzine, Molly Gordon, Hong Chau, Tosin Cole, Emma Thompson,  Kobna Holdbrook-Smith, Conleth Hill.
With the voices of: Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Bryan Cranston, Chris O’Dowd, Regina Hall, Patrick Stewart, Bella Ramsey, Brett Goldstein

Running Time: 109 minutes

Now and again, a movie comes around that not only lifts your spirits but is destined to do so for many more generations. It is as if these Denbrook sheep have accepted the gauntlet thrown down by Babe and have risen in style to take their rightful place, as they’re much smarter than we’ve been led to think!

The first indication that you are in for a treat lies in the casting. Considering the humans don’t get a lot of screen time, the cast is stellar. It is the story by Leonie Swann that beguiles, and the chance to be in something special is always an additional attraction.

Hugh Jackman is in his element as George Hardy, a sheep farmer who names all his flock individually and reads crime thrillers to them every night. He has an opaque past and present, which unfolds as the woolly sleuths set about their task of seeking justice.

There is murder in the air and duplicity. George comes to a sticky end, and Denbrook’s lightly occupied constabulary must be relied upon to solve the crime. Nicholas Braun (Succession’s Cousin Greg) is a triumph as PC Tim Derry. Lots of additional folk pop by to appreciate the Denbrook Cultural festival, including Nicholas Galitzine, cast against type as a reporter, Molly Gordon (Claire in The Bear) as a multiple identity Rebecca and a band of locals, all of whom would not be out of place in the murderous villages of Midsommer.

The plot oozes charm, is beautifully shot in the British countryside and has the best and brightest flock of sheep imaginable. No wonder stars like Patrick Stewart (Sir Richfield), Chris O’Dowd (Mopple), Bryan Cranston (Sebastien), Julia Louis Dreyfuss (Lily) and a heart-wrenching Tommy Birchall as Winter Lamb, all gloriously voice over the very funny dialogue and deliver the characterisations in classic style.

Add in a reading of a generous Will, skilfully done by an authoritative lawyer from Emma Thompson, and the village is agog, as everyone has something to hide! The one-liners are great fun, the stunts are glorious, and the animation is first class. The little lambs steal your heart from the outset with Winter Lamb impossible not to fall for.

The Sheep Detectives bears the classic hallmark of the best of  British cinema. It is brilliantly delivered by the cast, a clever, witty script from Craig Mazin, all skilfully directed by Kyle Balda. It is a lovely escapist romp based on an enchanting tale by Leonie Sawnn, which transfers to the screen in a quality production that pours cuteness and cleverness from start to finish. If you need a lift, be sure to see this entertaining comedy, which does the feel-good trick in style.