Critics Are Left High and Dry for The Sheep Detectives
The Sheep Detectives, a new kid-friendly murder mystery flick, has left critics scrambling for superlatives. Reviews for the film would have been a whole lot easier to write if the movie was baaaad, but instead, it’s just plain good. The lack of a clear antagonist in this case is making things tough for writers like myself, who are used to crafting headlines that scream “Avoid This At All Costs.”
Vulture’s Alison Herman sums it up best when she says, “The Sheep Detectives would have much easier to write if the film was baaaad.” She’s right, wouldn’t it have been nice to have a movie that was so off the mark, so tone deaf, that it’d be an easy sell to stay far, far away? But no such luck, folks.
The film, directed by David Yates and starring Jason Schwartzman and Daisy Ridley, tells the story of a group of young sheep who band together to solve a series of mysteries in their small town. It’s a clever, engaging tale that’s full of twists and turns, but is ultimately undone by its own likability.
Critics are praising the film’s clever script, its colorful characters, and its commitment to staying true to its offbeat premise. But at the same time, they’re also noting that the movie’s tone is all over the place, veering wildly from slapstick comedy to genuine suspense. It’s a jarring experience, but one that ultimately pays off in the end.
Somewhere in the Middle of the Road
On Rotten Tomatoes, The Sheep Detectives has a respectable 72% approval rating, with many critics praising its unique premise and its willingness to take risks. But at the same time, there are plenty of reviews that take issue with the movie’s tone and its pacing. It’s clear that this is a film that’s not for everyone, but it’s also one that’s worth checking out.
On Metacritic, the movie has a score of 58 out of 100, based on 22 reviews, indicating “mixed or average” reviews. The critical consensus there is that the film is a fun, if uneven, ride that’s sure to delight fans of mystery and comedy.
The sheep may not be baaaad, but it looks like they’re here to stay. And if you’re a fan of murder mysteries, or just looking for something new and different, then The Sheep Detectives might just be the ticket.
