The Sheep Detective

I feel like I’ve always loved a good whodunit, but I’m sure there was something that first sparked that love. For some, it might be Agatha Christie or the Sherlock Holmes stories, but for me, it probably started with the board game Clue. I know that might sound funny, but I loved piecing it all together—figuring out that Mrs. Peacock did it in the study with the candlestick. Now Kyle Balda brings what could be a new gateway for future sleuths with The Sheep Detectives, a charming and delightful movie that I hope wins over not just ewe… but everyone in the audience.

George Hardy (Hugh Jackman) is a sheep herder, but not exactly your typical one. I’ll admit, I haven’t met many sheep herders in my life, but I’m going to assume most of them don’t read murder mysteries to their flock. George does—and the sheep love it. They even debate who the killer might be, like their own little book club. Each sheep has a name and a personality, which ends up being pretty important when the unthinkable happens.

One night, George is murdered. When the town’s police officer, Tim (Nicholas Braun), clearly isn’t up to the task, the sheep decide it’s time to take matters into their own hooves. Led by Lilly (voiced by Julia Louis-Dreyfus), they set out to solve the mystery themselves. Along the way, they encounter a list of suspects: a rival shepherd (Tosin Cole), a butcher (Ham Gilyard), a reverend (Kobna Holdbrook-Smith), and Rebecca (Molly Gordon), who turns out to be George’s daughter. Whoever is responsible, Lilly and the rest of the flock are determined to crack the case.

Written by Craig Mazin and based on Leonie Swann’s novel, The Sheep Detectives is a charming and entertaining movie for both current and future detectives. But it’s not just about laughs and solving a mystery—it also delivers a surprisingly emotional story about grief, loss, and what it means to remember the people we love. That added layer gives the film more depth than you might expect, making it just as effective for adults as it is for kids.

The Sheep Detectives is a true family whodunit—heartwarming, funny, and full of charm. The voice cast, especially the sheep, really shine, each bringing their own personality and energy to the story. The film never overdoes it, keeping things light while still delivering a meaningful message.

It’s easy to take your kids to whatever big animated movie is trending, but what do they really take away from it besides a couple hours of distraction? With The Sheep Detectives, you get both entertainment and a story that actually sticks with you. Sometimes, we all just need a movie that makes us smile, and this one absolutely delivers. I had a grin on my face the whole time, and I think you will too.

So grab your deerstalker, get on the case, and solve your family’s movie night dilemma with something a little different—something everyone can enjoy.

Brian Taylor

Member of the North Texas Film Critics Association, and lover of all things Cinema