Many times have I gone on record that “The sheep detectives is my movie of the year, baa none”, but less often have I given the actual pitch.
The premise of the movie is this: every night, Hugh Jackman reads Agatha Christie murder mystery novels to his flock of sheep. One day, he gets murdered. Since the local cop is a complete boob, it’s up to his flock of sheep to investigate the crime and solve his murder themselves.
These are the table stakes. If you can’t get over talking sheep, if that’s too much of an impediment for you, get out now. I am sorry your life lacks this particular flavor of richness, but am confident it has other wealths I can only dream of.
If, however, a talking sheep has not turned you away, and the idea of a cozy murder mystery draws you, like the proverbial horse to the water (to say nothing of its actions once it arrives at such an oasis), then continue: for this movie has an absolutely star-studded cast. Emma Thompson! Julia Louis-Dreyfus! Bryan Cranston! Sir Patrick Stewart! The guy who plays He-Man! Roy Kent from Ted Lasso! And more besides.
This movie rules. I laughed, I cried. I saw it in theatres and stopped on the way home to buy the book it was based on.
Is the plot goofy as hell? Absolutely. Are there some weird contrivances to make the story work? Of course. Does the resolution of the murder mystery really make sense? Not exactly! But I love it anyway, and the movie is so full of charm that I can forgive these flaws, and any others you may have conjured in your mind as a defensive measure.
Lower your inhibitions, let yourself be a child, and see this movie.
You’ll know from the first studio logo whether you’re in for a treat or not. And if you’re anything like me, what a treat it will be.