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

39%

Tomatometer

57 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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Zachary Barnes

Wall Street Journal

1d

It shouldn't be entirely surprising that Mr. Kore-eda isn't up to the very topical task he has set himself here. He is a filmmaker with an abiding humanism, evidently flummoxed in the face of the nonhuman.

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Tim Grierson

Los Angeles Times

5d

The film may be set in the future, but Kore-eda’s ideas feel outdated.

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Simon Abrams

RogerEbert.com

6d

2.5/4

Kore-eda’s animating curiosity makes his latest feature more compelling than not, but you’ll still have to make your own leap of faith in order to accept the movie’s limited terms and conditions.

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Tanner Gordon

Spectrum Culture

1d

For a film apparently elicited by Hirokazu Koreeda’s own stated concerns over AI, Sheep in the Box feels frustratingly neutral, even timid in its approach.

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Richard Crouse

Richard Crouse

1d

2/5

Sheep in the Box’s bottom-line question of, 'Can a relationship between a machine and a human ever really be a two-way street?' gets lost in a story that fires off in too many directions.

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Allyson Johnson

InBetweenDrafts

2d

5/10

Hollow and in desperate need of a directive, the film achieves a glossy finish with no substance.

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love H

@horrorfan123 4d

Damn sad but the pacing drags

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Monoj D

@Mr_Billions 5d

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)