Sheep in the Box

Known for his sincere observations of childhood, unconventional families and the emotional weight of loss and grief, Hirokazu Kore-eda's latest film combines his preferred themes in a speculative film that blends the preservation of memory with technological advancements.

Set in near future Japan, grieving parents Otone (Haruka Ayase) and Kensuke (Daigo Yamamoto) turn to REbirth, a company providing the bereaved with humanoid replications of their loved ones. With this technology, the couple is granted more time with their seven-year-old son, Kakeru (Rimu Kuwaki). Otone's architectural background fuels her desire to construct and control, whereas guilt-ridden Kensuke initially dismisses the humanoid as a "Tamagotchi", until a tender relationship forms. But as the humanoid develops and shares memories he shouldn't have, his parents grow perplexed and grapple with the ramifications of their decision.

True to form, Kore-eda draws a persuasive performance from the child actor and Kakeru's delicate curiosity complements the adults’ resistance to change. His presence raises questions about our influence on artificially intelligent machines as the humanoid is intrinsically drawn to nature in this poignant, multifaceted narrative. Layered with poetic symbolism, Sheep in the Box is as inventive as it is heartfelt.

– Madison Marshall