If film and television are to be believed, quiet little English villages seem to be the crime capitals of the world.
Series such as “Midsomer Murders”, “Miss Marple”, “Father Brown” and “Grantchester” would have audiences believe that hardly a week passes in these picturesque counties without a violent murder or an elaborate criminal scheme unfolding.
“The Sheep Detectives” is another addition to this rather niche genre, but with an unusual twist: what if this time, it’s a group of sheep solving a village murder?
Yes, it sounds like a ridiculous parody at first. Amazingly, however, the film rises above its absurd premise, delivering a story that is equal parts humorous and heartfelt, complete with memorable characters and relatable themes.
The film is directed by Kyle Balda (“The Lorax”, “Despicable Me 3”) and is based on the novel “Three Bags Full” by Leonie Swann.
The story centres on George Hardy, a kindly shepherd in the quiet town of Denbrook. He oversees a lively flock of sheep, and enjoys reading them detective novels every evening.
All is well for a while until one day, George is discovered dead in unusual circumstances. It soon turns out that many people in the town (and out of it!) actually had reasons for wanting him dead.
As the local law enforcement is (to put it kindly) a bit dim, it is up to his sheep to use what they’ve learnt from his readings to solve the case.
There is plenty in this film to deliver genuine laughs, whether through its affectionate jabs at the mostly predictable nature of whodunits, its observations on the peculiar intricacies of village life, or the sheep’s endless bafflement at the way the human world operates. A scene where two sheep try to understand religion is genuinely hilarious.
The mystery at the heart of the film, an intricate web of impersonations, inheritances, and incriminating evidence, is fairly well plotted, and trying to solve it before the sheep do is all part of the fun.
Veteran crime fans will probably spot the killer a little early, but discovering how he or she is ultimately revealed (and how the sheep communicate this to the hapless humans) is still an entertaining ride.
Even with all the comedy and mystery going on, “The Sheep Detectives” also manages to deliver a few genuinely heartwarming moments. Beneath this lighthearted caper about sleuthing sheep lie themes of grief and loss, compassion and the importance of remembering even the toughest times of one’s life.
A notable element of the film is that sheep have their own beliefs about what happens after death, which add a surprising poignancy to some scenes.
Hugh Jackman does a good job as George, possibly the world’s most hunky shepherd. Indeed, the most unbelievable thing about this talking sheep film is that a rugged bachelor like him could live alone for so long without constant romantic attention.
Nicholas Braun, who some may remember as the bumbling corporate climber Greg in the television series “Succession”, now plays bumbling pastoral policeman Tim. A character so dim-witted he is outwitted by a sheep may sound difficult to pull off, yet Braun somehow makes it work.
Meanwhile, veteran actress Emma Thompson nearly steals the show in a brief appearance as the hilariously blunt lawyer Lydia Harbottle.
But it is ultimately the sheep that steal the show. You wouldn’t think that rams, ewes and lambs could be so memorable, yet the film’s amazing voice cast do a commendable job, imbuing their characters with bright and vivid personalities.
Julia Louis-Dreyfus anchors the film as Lily, the self-proclaimed “world’s smartest sheep”, and the Sheeplock Holmes of the story.
Bryan Cranston’s gravelly tones lend real gravitas to mysterious outsider Sebastian, while hearing Sir Patrick Stewart’s dignified voice emerge from the mouth of a ram is surprisingly entertaining.
Overall, there’s no need to feel sheepish about watching this: it’s a very well-crafted family film that will enchant children and adults alike.
Who knows, it might even inspire you to adopt a few of these animals for your own. Jackman and his woolly pals certainly make “The Sheep Detectives” a flock-solid piece of entertainment.