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%

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83 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

Jul 31

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

Jul 31

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

Jul 30

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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JD Duran

InSession Film

1d

B+

Sheep in the Box is exactly what I would have expected from (Koreeda) in the sense that it has very little say about AI and is way more concerned with the human condition while experiencing grief.

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Joe Friar

Fort Worth Report

2d

3/4

As the film progresses, you realize that this story is not about the AI child at all. It’s a character study of a grieving couple. I did enjoy the final act and the performances by Haruka Ayase and Daigo Yamamoto.

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Maxance Vincent

Film Speak

2d

C+

A disappointing venture from a filmmaker who has given so much but seems now to be struggling to reinvent himself in a world that is moving away from Kore-eda’s oeuvre.

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jesse v

Aug 6

the movie starts out like black mirror and the movie Companion but quickly moves on from that. i appreciate the emotional sentiment but it's just too mellow of a drama. Could the editors have at least put more effort with the English subtitles? They are too basic with what the characters were saying. Odd how the father quickly changed his mind in believing the kid. There are a couple of side characters storylines that really don't go anywhere. The ending becomes a bizarre Kids Next Door origins plot.

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Evan C

@RT74783562 Aug 4

Conceptually Sheep In The Box treads on interesting & familiar themes from director Kore-eda. The film is best when it focuses on the main family, & intentionally shies away from any ethical conversation. That said, there's not much of an emotional journey to really latch on to.

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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
Box Office (Gross USA): $163.1K
Runtime: 2h 6m
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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