In a scenic, rural British village, shepherd George Hardy takes great joy in tending to his flock. His sheep, who receive top notch care, look forward every night to readings from George of detective fiction and crime thrillers, the highlight of their day. However, when one morning they find that their beloved shepherd is lying on the grass not breathing, those stories seem to finally have come to life.
Based on the classic 2005 German novel Three Bags Full, written by Leonie Swann, the film is directed by Kyle Balda, best known for his work on films like The Lorax and Minions. The ensemble cast includes such big names as Hugh Jackman, as well as Nicholas Braun and Molly Gordon. However, it may be the voice cast, and personality, of the sheep that steal the show, with names like Patrick Stewart, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Bryan Cranston on the list, portraying an array of very fun characters.
With their shepherd gone, it is now up to his flock to find out who has committed the terrible deed. Unfortunately, due to certain language barriers, they are unable to communicate with the village’s authorities, so they must put their amateur detective skills to the test.
From their observation of the humans, they glean that several figures, including the town butcher, innkeeper, one of George’s neighbouring sheep farmers, the village priest and even his long-lost daughter are all considered suspects.
Opinions vary among the flock, but a few of their sharper members take the lead. George’s beloved and courageous Shetland sheep Lily, the solitary Icelandic Leadersheep Sebastian and the simple but endlessly loyal Merino sheep Mopple find themselves hot on the heels of the truth, while the rest of the flock find it easier to forget the tragedy ever happened.
As the story unfolds, the movie does an excellent job at keeping the audience guessing, with many possibilities emerging over the course of events. True to the genre, the Modus Operandi of the sheep seems straight out of an Agatha Christie novel and pays homage to the writer’s legacy in the sweetest possible way. Despite the grim nature of George’s death, the humour is enjoyable, innocent and relatable for all ages.
We also gain an insight into the customs and superstitions of the sheep, who appear to possess a discernible culture, such as believing that sheep, upon death, turn into big wooly clouds in the sky.
Unfortunately, the sheep are a prejudiced folk, with an ingrained belief that all lambs born in winter are not fit to mix with the rest of the flock. One particular winter lamb faces constant exclusion, but, as he demonstrates his analytical skills and ability to unwrap the conspiracy of George’s murder, finds an avenue towards possible acceptance.
The film is suitable, and indeed enjoyable, for all ages except the very young. Heartwarming and sweet in nature, it may even help the younger ones reflect on the theme of death and its place in the circle of life, just as it does the sheep.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Rated: PG
Distributor: Sony Pictures Releasing International
In cinemas: May 8th
