Hirokazu Kore-eda, the acclaimed Japanese filmmaker who won the Palme d’Or for Shoplifters in 2018, brings his latest work to audiences worldwide. Sheep in the Box is a science fiction drama that explores grief, family, and artificial intelligence in a near-future Japan. The film follows a couple who, after losing their young son, welcome a humanoid robot that looks and behaves exactly like the child they lost. The movie had its world premiere at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival on May 16, where it competed for the Palme d’Or. Now, the film is making its way to theaters across the globe, giving audiences everywhere a chance to experience this unique story.
Japan Theatrical Release Date and Time
Sheep in the Box first arrived in Japanese theaters on May 29, 2026. Toho handled the domestic distribution in Japan. The film has a runtime of 2 hours and 6 minutes (126 minutes). It carries a PG rating, making it suitable for a wide range of viewers.
United States Release Date and Theatrical Rollout
For American audiences, distributor Neon has scheduled the US release for July 24, 2026. The film will open first in New York and Los Angeles on that date, followed by a nationwide rollout in the weeks after. Some earlier reports mentioned a July 17 date, but the confirmed release is July 24. Neon, known for handling acclaimed independent and international films, continues its partnership with Kore-eda after previously distributing his film Broker.
Other International Release Dates
The film has also been released in other territories. In South Korea, it arrived on June 10, 2026. The movie was also screened at the Sydney Film Festival in Australia on June 9, 10, and 14, 2026. Additional international releases are expected through Neon and other distribution partners.
Where to Watch Sheep in the Box
Currently, Sheep in the Box is available exclusively in movie theaters. There is no official streaming release date announced yet. For viewers in the US, tickets can be purchased through major theater chains like AMC. In Japan, the film is showing at Toho Cinemas locations including Shinjuku and Roppongi Hills. The movie is presented in Japanese with English subtitles for international screenings.
Cast and Crew Behind the Film
The film features a talented cast led by Haruka Ayase as Otone Komoto, an architect, and Daigo Yamamoto as her husband Kensuke, who runs a construction company. The humanoid robot child, Kakeru, is portrayed by young actor Rimu Kuwaki. The supporting cast includes Nana Seino, Kanichiro, Hinata Hiiragi, Akihiro Kakuta, Kayo Noro, Mari Hoshino, Ayumu Nakajima, Kimiko Yo, and Min Tanaka.
Behind the camera, Hirokazu Kore-eda wrote, directed, and edited the film. The cinematography was handled by Ryuto Kondo, who previously worked with Kore-eda on Shoplifters and Monster. The music was composed by Yuta Bandoh. Production companies include Fuji Television Network, GAGA Corporation, Toho, and AOI Pro..
What is Sheep in the Box About?
The story takes place in a near-future Japan where technology has advanced significantly. Two years after losing their son Kakeru in an accident, Otone and Kensuke Komoto are struggling with grief. They discover a company that rents humanoid robots to bereaved families as replacements for lost loved ones. The robot they receive looks and acts exactly like Kakeru, using photos, videos, and other digital traces of the deceased child to create an AI-powered replica.
Otone embraces the robot’s arrival, finding comfort in having “him” back. Kensuke, however, struggles to accept the artificial child. Living with the robot seems to restore a sense of normalcy to their family life, but it also exposes unspoken wounds and lingering regrets each parent carries. Meanwhile, the robot begins to secretly slip away to meet other humanoid children, unnoticed by his parents.
The film’s title comes from the French children’s book The Little Prince. Kore-eda has described the film as exploring how AI and androids might evolve to transcend humanity.
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Why You Should Watch Sheep in the Box
Sheep in the Box marks a notable genre shift for Kore-eda, who is best known for grounded human dramas like Shoplifters and Monster. This film introduces science fiction elements without abandoning his core focus on family and emotional connections. The result is less about technology and more about what it means to be human.
Critics have praised the film for its thoughtful approach to grief. Damon Wise of Deadline described it as “one of his purest, most dreamlike films to date” and “a light yet somehow very profound study of grief that deals with death in an unusual but surprisingly cathartic way”. The film features three extraordinary performances, including one from first-time actor Kuwaki Rimu.
The movie has been described as a beautiful yet simple sci-fi story about using artificial intelligence to manage grief, hitting all the right emotional notes. It offers a gentler, more humane take on AI compared to dystopian narratives like Black Mirror. For fans of Kore-eda’s previous work or anyone interested in thoughtful science fiction that explores real human emotions, Sheep in the Box is worth watching.
The film has already earned $4.2 million at the worldwide box office. Its international box office total stands at approximately $3.9 million. The movie was also one of Neon’s major Cannes titles at the festival.
With its combination of a renowned director, a talented cast, and a story that blends science fiction with deep emotional themes, Sheep in the Box offers a unique cinematic experience. Whether you are a long-time fan of Kore-eda’s films or new to his work, this movie provides plenty to think about long after the credits roll.
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