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

41%

Tomatometer

64 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

12h

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

12h

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

14h

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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Alice Shih

Original Cin

13h

A-

In this dramatic AI-centred film, director Hirokazu Kore-eda powerfully explores the meaning of family.

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Michael Nordine

Movie Brief

15h

2.5/4

Just because we can’t see something doesn’t mean it isn’t there, whether it be a sheep or a soul.

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Peter Sobczynski

Auteurist Class (Substack)

17h

A weird and ultimately mystifying misstep from a director who has made great films in the past and who will no doubt make enough great films in the future so that it will simply go down as a hiccup in an otherwise strong filmography.

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Stephen C

@bob25009 2h

The worldwide gross is $4,294,141.00.

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love H

@horrorfan123 5d

Damn sad but the pacing drags

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Monoj D

@Mr_Billions 6d

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)