Normally, you don’t see a murder mystery in the form of a children’s movie, but “The Sheep Detectives” nailed it. The movie shows how like humans, sheep tend to reject the anomalies, or the population that is considered different from the rest.

In the movie the sheep born in spring are called “spring lambs,” which are considered normal. Then there are “winter lambs,” which are considered outcasts or outsiders. The flock collectively decides that they are not to be associated with, in fact they don’t even let the spring lambs play with the winter lambs. Since they aren’t born in the traditional spring season, they are deemed inferior. This discloses a lot about how not just humans, but animals can have outcasts in their society.

Their shepherd reads them murder mysteries each evening without fail. The sheep work together to solve the murder of their beloved shepherd, using the tactics and knowledge of mystery tropes they had collected from listening to all those stories. On their journey, the sheep overcome difficulties, gain and lose friends along the way, and discover things they never thought possible on their mission to solve the crime. They help the police, subtly and sometimes not.

“‘The Sheep Detectives’ has something for a family’s entire flock,” says Hunter V. Norris. He said that he had his doubts about the movie, but ended up adoring it.

Younger kids will dote on the endearing talking animals, and older kids and adults will enjoy the mystery plot and comedy, while still loving the sheep and all their different personalities. With its fun and surprisingly emotional themes, this movie is a must add to your summer watch list.