Greetings again from the darkness. Most of us would do just about anything for a grieving loved one. Kepsuke (Daigo Yamamoto) proves this when he accompanies his wife Otone (Haruka Ayase) to a presentation at ReBirth, a company specializing in humanoids meant to replace a lost child. An accident two years ago cost this couple their 7-year-old son Kakeru (Rimu Kuwaki), and the husband, though skeptical of the whole thing, hopes this is what his wife needs to move on.
The film is written and directed by the ultra-talented Hirokazu Kore-eda (THE TRUTH, 2019; SHOPLIFTERS, 2018; OUR LITTLE SISTER, 2015), who has utilized his remarkable insight into human nature to bring us several memorable films. This one may lack the emotional depth of his previous work, yet it has plenty to say about technology and artificial intelligence. Otone is an architect and Kepsuke is a builder, and for much of the film, she is working on designing a unique house for another couple. Of course, the real story here is how humanoid Kakeru fits with this new family. Otone is initially quite accepting of this new being, while Kepsuke takes a bit longer.
Could you love a robot? Is an emotional bond even possible? Does this constitute life and should the new Kakeru even be considered a ‘real’ boy? Filmmaker Kore-eda throws in a twist since there are two sides to this story … and Kakeru’s side is easily the most fascinating. As it/he bonds with his true peers, the story takes on a much different and much larger picture than the intimate family drama we initially expected. We are told we are “a product of your own past”, and it’s Otone and Kepsuke who believe they are deciding whether to keep it or not. The obvious comparison here is Spielberg’s AI: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (2001), but Kore-eda takes a different approach and leaves us pondering whether technology is serving us or will technology ultimately serve itself?
Opening in theaters July 24, 2026 and expanding through August 7, 2026
Movie Reviews from the Dark 
Excellent reviews as always. I have never heard of the movie “Sheep in the Box” before but your review has given me a strong reason to check it out. I have always enjoyed movies that focus on the themes of artificial intelligence and its implications. You mention “A.I. Artificial Intelligence” as a comparison and I find that incredibly interesting. I am a huge fan of Spielberg’s film which is one of my favourite science-fiction movies of all-time. It’s interesting to see the ingenious concept of a Spielberg movie depicted in Japanese Cinema. So, for these reasons, I will definitely check out “Sheep in the Box” once it starts to stream. It sounds like a movie I will love.
Here’s my thoughts on “A.I. Artificial Intelligence”:
On your site, your “A.I. Artificial Intelligence” review has ‘Meryl Streep’ in the headline and I believe you meant Spielberg. Just letting you know.