Hugh Jackman Investigates in "Undercover Sheep"

The Italian press is buzzing about "Pecore sotto copertura" (Undercover Sheep), a unique blend of British cozy mystery and dramedy that puts a flock of intelligent sheep in the detective roles. This film, directed by Kyle Balda, promises a delightful mix of live-action and CGI, bringing to life Leonie Swann's best-selling novel "GlennKill." The presence of Hollywood heavyweights like Hugh Jackman and Emma Thompson, alongside a stellar voice cast including Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Bryan Cranston for the sheep, has generated significant excitement.

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When they sent me the script - they told me it would be something totally different, a cross between Babe and Knives Out. Reading it, I understood that it was true, I really liked the story, for its heart. It's a film about what it means to grow up, in all its possible forms.

Director Kyle Balda himself described the script as a fascinating cross between "Babe" and "Knives Out," highlighting its emotional depth and exploration of growing up and confronting life's challenges. The narrative centers on a flock of sheep who take it upon themselves to solve the murder of their beloved shepherd, George, in the quaint English village of Denbrook. This premise alone sets the film apart, offering a whimsical yet intriguing take on the whodunit genre.

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We all grow up continuously and here we also talk about the difficult truths or the scary things in life that are difficult to face.

What makes this film particularly noteworthy from an Italian perspective is its charmingly unconventional approach to storytelling. While international audiences might appreciate the star power and the genre-bending narrative, Italian critics are likely to focus on the film's heart and its ability to deliver both humor and suspense. The adaptation of a German bestseller into an international film, with a cast spanning multiple nationalities, also speaks to the global appeal of well-crafted mysteries, especially when given such a unique, ovine twist.

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It's the first time I've had the opportunity to play a sheep and I had always wanted to be one - Julia Louis-Dreyfus jokes. I really liked it, because Lily is a sort of intellectual sheep, she has acquired...