Enter a ‘new breed of mystery’ with the furriest adventure of them all in The Sheep Detectives (2026). Brought to the screen by the co-director of Minions (2015) – Kyle Barda sure knows how to direct a fun and friendly family comedy. Based on Leonie Swann’s 2005 German novel, Three Bags Full: A Sheep Detective Story sees legendary screenwriter, Craig Mazin of Chernobyl (2019) fame pen this baa-rilliant script.
Set in the village of Denbrook, the close-knit community is baffled by the revelation of beloved shepherd, Hugh Jackman’s George Hardy’s death. After discovering his murder, the sheep get to work on solving this murder mystery that’s so close to their hearts. Sadly, George had read them murder mystery novels each night, they subsequently learn from the formula and put his words into action. But they must face the tough decision to leave their home and change their rigid mindsets to solve the crime.
There’re so many sheep characters that you need profiles as a reminder on their names and personalities. The star-studded cast also lends their voices to the flock of sheep. Positioned as the lead of the flock is the ever-so-likeable Lily (voiced by Julia Louis-Dreyfus) – George’s favourite and the one who isn’t afraid of facing a challenge to get this mystery solved.
The Sheep Detectives: A Star-Studded Family Comedy
Succession’s cousin Greg, Nicholas Braun plays policeman Tim with a bumbling personality and shaky British accent. He leads this cast into farm-mayhem. Ultimately, his determination to solve the case despite his wrong guesses leads him down the right path. It’s clear he is made the star of the show here.
Joining Braun is The Last of Us’ star, Bella Ramsey who plays the loveable lamb, Zora who adds some cute quips and is constantly probing the case with endless questions. But the most interesting characters are the supporting sheep. The mysterious Sebastian (voiced by Bryan Cranston) is the loyal loner and the thoughtful Mopple (voiced by Chris O’Dowd) becomes Lily’s right-hand man. These two play off each other particularly well and their family bond dynamic creates a nice-natured story.
Ted Lasso’s Brett Goldstein plays comedy duo rams, Ronnie and Reggie. Their names of course add a British cultural nod to the Kray twins. He arguably receives the funniest lines that create the perfect ‘mic drop’ moments. The wise elder sheep, Sir Richfield hears Sir Patrick Stewart lend his voice, alongside Regina Hall’s Cloud and Rhys Darby’s Wool-Eyes.
Sweet sentimental moments between the flock hits the right moves for a family comedy. However, the pacing at the midpoint begins to slow down and the scenes aren’t as memorable as those within Act one and Act two. The fact Hugh Jackman isn’t in the film for very long is also a heartbreaking point. Jackman’s presence on screen is always admirable, but this film doesn’t utilise him to his full potential.
Plenty of Mystery to Solve
Instead, Emma Thompson’s delightful appearance as tough lawyer, Lydia Harbottle takes the power here. Harbottle adds a more ‘Nanny McPhee’-type role to her resume. As her previous films prove, Thompson commands the screen in each family-comedy role from P.L. Travers in Saving Mr. Banks (2013) to Miss Trunchbull in Matilda the Musical (2022).
Although, at times it can be tough to keep up with the cast. With so many characters in the town and newcomers into the story there’s plenty of mystery to solve. It’s like Scooby-Doo meets Charlotte’s Web with a mystery to solve and talking animals. The townspeople are the main culprits with the flock acting as the ‘Scooby-gang.’ Such strange townsfolk add great air to the mystery.
The Whodunit style and brilliant twist reveal someone close to the case had both the cast and audience wrapped around their finger. But will the wool be pulled over your eyes or can you guess the culprit?
Watch and find out in The Sheep Detectives which is available to stream now on Prime Video and in select cinemas across the UK.
Rating: 3 Stars
You can read our other reviews including No Ordinary Heist (2025) here.
