Hirokazu Kore-eda's latest film, 'Sheep in the Box,' ventures into sci-fi territory with a concept that feels as if it could be ripped from a Hollywood playbook but lacks the director's usual sharpness and cohesion.
Concept and Execution
'Sheep in the Box' follows an architect named Otone, played by Haruka Ayase, and her husband Kensuke, portrayed by Daigo. They grapple with the loss of their son Kakeru, who died in an accident two years prior. Enter REbirth, a company crafting AI replicas of lost loved ones. Soon, a replicant Kakeru, played by Rimu Kuwaki, joins their family, sparking a series of new challenges.
Potential Storylines
The film teases several potential narratives without settling on any. The AI Kakeru could be a 'perfect' version of their lost son, only for the parents to realize he can't replace the original. Alternatively, he might possess an intelligence that feels off, or become part of a neighborhood cult. Yet, Kore-eda's treatment lacks the commitment to fully explore these threads.
Comparisons and Critique
While 'Sheep in the Box' aims to be a gentle sci-fi tale, it falls flat compared to Kore-eda's previous work, 'Monster.' The new film's lack of structure and commitment to its central themes makes it feel thrown together. The film recalls classics like 'Blade Runner' and '2001: A Space Odyssey,' which deeply explore AI identity, but it fails to engage the audience in the same way.
Character and Plot Issues
The film introduces humor, such as Kensuke's comparison of Kakeru to a Roomba, but fails to sustain engagement. Otone's character, central to the story, is one-dimensional, and her subplot about designing a home lacks clarity. The film's exploration of AI as a tech parable feels outdated, and its references to 'The Little Prince' and the concept of a soul lack impact.
'Sheep in the Box' struggles with its thematic question: Can machines feel? Kore-eda attempts to portray Kakeru as both a beloved child and a symbol of a cold, tech-driven future, but the film never resolves this tension. The result is a lackluster exploration of AI's emotional landscape.
Source: https://variety.com/2026/film/reviews/sheep-in-the-box-review-hirokazu-kore-eda-1236751690/
