Sheep in the Box

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1:47

Sheep in the Box

PG

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2h 6m

Drama

Sci-Fi

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

42%

Tomatometer

74 Reviews

Popcornmeter

Fewer than 50 Ratings

In the near future, Otone and Kensuke, a grieving couple who have lost their son, take into their lives a humanoid identical to their late child.

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Critics Consensus

A rare disappointment from director Hirokazu Koreeda, Sheep in the Box is a muted domestic drama whose rumination on artificial intelligence could have used more of the filmmaker's characteristic humanity.

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Moira MacDonald

Seattle Times

3d

3/4

It’s rich emotional territory for Kore-eda, who makes the film less a parable about technology but a meditation on grief and loss and parental love, on how the heart can will itself to see something that isn’t there.

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Richard Whittaker

Austin Chronicle

3d

2.5/5

Maybe if he’d grappled with any of those elements more fully, or trimmed them away, Sheep in the Box would feel less like an imitation of life.

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Randy Myers

San Jose Mercury News

3d

3.5/4

While some might balk at its final act and think it’s too sentimental, I felt the opposite and thought it was lovely and both sweet and bittersweet, and above all else, comforting.

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Michael Sicinski

In Review Online

5h

Kore-eda doesn’t have an answer for us, and while he certainly has the right to avoid prescriptive moralism, he might’ve offered something richer in return. Sheep in the Box ultimately does not.

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Jacob Mauceri

InSession Film

7h

D

Sheep in the Box starts strong then tumbles and bumper cars unrelated ideas until the very end. It is incredibly disappointing to watch something from a filmmaker like Koreeda that feels so devoid of heart.

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Mark Dujsik

Mark Reviews Movies

19h

3/4

[W]riter/director Koreeda Hirokazu's isn't about its robotic characters, except in the way that their existence reflects something vital about the human ones in this story.

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love H

@horrorfan123 Jul 26

Damn sad but the pacing drags

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Monoj D

@Mr_Billions Jul 24

A Thought-Provoking Hidden Gem Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (8.5/10) Sheep in the Box is a captivating film that blends emotion, mystery, and meaningful storytelling into a memorable experience. The strong performances, engaging atmosphere, and thoughtful narrative keep you invested throughout. It's a quiet yet impactful movie that offers plenty to reflect on after the credits roll. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a unique and emotionally rewarding film.

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bits T

@RT68542931 Jun 29

It was tough sitting through the movie. Lengthy, boring and honestly going nowhere.

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Hirokazu Koreeda

Director

Haruka Ayase

Actor

Daigo

Actor

Rimu Kuwaki

Actor

Nana Seino

Actor

Kanichiro

Actor

Sheep in the Box: Trailer 1

1:47

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Synopsis

In the near future, Otone and Kensuke, a grieving couple who have lost their son, take into their lives a humanoid identical to their late child.

Director: Hirokazu Koreeda
Producer: Kaoru Matsuzaki, Megumi Banse
Screenwriter: Hirokazu Koreeda
Distributor: NEON
Production Co: AOI Pro
Rating: PG (Thematic Material|A Brief Bloody Image|Some Language|Smoking)
Genre: Drama, Sci-Fi
Original Language: Japanese
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 24, 2026, Limited
Runtime: 2h 6m
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)