Review of ‘The Sheep Detectives’: Hugh Jackman shines in an enjoyable mystery.

“Sheep Detectives” Trailer

A trailer has been released for “The Sheep Detectives,” an upcoming film from Amazon MGM Studios featuring Hugh Jackman, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Bryan Cranston, Molly Gordon, Nicholas Braun, and Emma Thompson.

This film, inspired by the 2005 novel by Leonie Swan, “The Bag Full: A Sheep Detective Story,” centers on George Hardy, played by Jackman. He is a reclusive shepherd who reads murder mysteries to his sheep at night, blissfully unaware that they comprehend every word.

Things take a turn when George becomes a murder victim, and his flock takes on the challenge of solving his murder.

Among the flock, there’s Lily, voiced by Louis-Dreyfus, who is wise and respected by the others. She excels at solving the riddles that George shares. Alongside her are Mopple (Chris O’Dowd), the stoic Sebastian (Bryan Cranston), the chatty Cloud (Regina Hall), the elder Lord Litchfield (Patrick Stewart), and the lively twins, Reggie and Ronnie (Brett Goldstein).

As for who might want to harm George? It seems several characters from the English countryside town of Denbrook, including a rival shepherd named Caleb Merrow (Tosin Cole), butcher Ham Gilliard (Conleth Hill), innkeeper Beth Pennock (Hong Chau), and his estranged daughter Rebecca (Molly Gordon), all have their reasons for wishing him dead.

Emma Thompson plays George’s lawyer, Lydia Harbottle, while Nicholas Galitzine portrays a curious junior reporter, Elliot Matthews, and Nicholas Braun is Tim Derry, the well-meaning but bumbling constable assisted by the sheep to crack the case.

What struck me was the emotional depth the film explores, addressing issues of grief and belonging. “Sheep Detectives” evokes a nostalgic feel reminiscent of light-hearted films from the past—like the beloved “Babe.” It’s funny, sweet, and genuinely heartwarming, making it perfect for family viewing.

The talented cast, both human and otherwise, seemed to have a blast working on this project. Directed by Kyle Balda, who has a notable animation background and is known for his work on “Minions” and “Despicable Me 3,” the film also has Craig Mazin, the Emmy Award-winning writer behind HBO’s “Chernobyl” and “The Last of Us,” stepping in to direct his first major comedy in years since “The Hangover Part III.”