A Whodunit! A murder mystery solved by… sheep! That’s not a spoiler, that’s what the film’s about.

And such an enjoyable movie it is! It’s a comedy with visual as well as verbal jokes. It’s a fantasy with talking sheep. And it’s a homicide investigation with multiple suspects. And The Sheep Detectives satisfies in all three of those areas.

George Harvey (Hugh Jackman) is a shepherd in the UK. At the end of each day he reads from murder mystery novels to his sheep, knowing that they, being sheep, have no idea what he is telling them. Ah, but they do know! And they try to solve the crimes he reads to them. The brightest sheep Lily (voiced by Julia Louis-Dreyfus) is the one who usually figures out who the culprit is.

After George is found dead and local cop Officer Derry (Nicholas Braun) supposes the death is likely the result of an accident, the sheep begin to have suspicions.

Enter George’s daughter Rebecca (Molly Gordon AKA Claire Bear on the TV show The Bear) and Rebecca’s lawyer Lydia Harbottle (Emma Thompson). At the reading of the will, it is revealed that Rebecca has a twin brother who lives in South Africa. He is reached by phone.

The talented individuals who voice the various sheep include Patrick Stewart, Bryan Cranston, Regina Hall, Chris O’Dowd and Bella Ramsey, among others.

As the tale unfolds, several possible murderers are introduced. Including another shepherd, Caleb, as well as the local butcher, the village shopkeeper and even the local pastor. 

Because this is a film that features charming talking sheep and contains no sex or nudity, you might be tempted to bring young kids to the movie house. Please don’t! Once the film gets rolling, they will be bored with the proceedings. 

Did I almost tear up when the story is wrapped up? Maybe just a bit. It’s a sweet, cute film. I look forward to seeing it again soon!

The Sheep Detectives is directed by Kyle Balda and written by Craig Mazin who is known for writing the HBO series Chernobyl and The Last of Us. 

Rated PG.