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

43%

Tomatometer

72 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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Mark Dujsik

Mark Reviews Movies

3h

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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Rene Sanchez

Cine Sin Fronteras

8h

3/4

Though familiar in Koreeda's themes, this sci-fi drama delivers an emotional meditation on family, grief, and connection. [Full Review in Spanish]

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Sarah Vincent

Sarah G Vincent Views

11h

"Sheep in the Box" (2026), uses technology to shine a light on the nature of existence, acceptance and coexistence though the last half hour may be too frictionless and unrealistic for most moviegoers to continue to suspend disbelief.

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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)