‘Sheep in the Box’ Review: A Married Couple Adopt a Robot Copy of Their Dead Son in Hirokazu Koreeda’s Emotionally Stilted Riff on ‘A.I.’

In an unexpected turn, Hirokazu Koreeda's latest film, "Sheep in the Box," presents a complex narrative that explores the intersection of grief and artificial intelligence. Contrary to expectations of a deeply emotional tear-jerker akin to Steven Spielberg’s "A.I. Artificial Intelligence," this film emerges as one of Koreeda's more emotionally restrained works. The story revolves around a married couple, Kensuke and Otone, who adopt a humanoid robot modeled after their deceased son, Kakeru, leading to a nuanced examination of their grieving process and the implications of artificial companionship.

The Premise of Grief and Technology

Set in a sunny near-future Kamakura, the film introduces Kensuke Komoto and his architect wife Otone, who are navigating their lives two years after the tragic loss of their seven-year-old son. While they have managed to find a semblance of normalcy, the arrival of a humanoid robot from the REbirth company, designed to resemble their son, complicates their emotional landscape. The robot, referred to as robo-Kakeru, is not intended to replace their son but serves as a tangible reminder of their loss, embodying their memories in a new form.

Koreeda’s choice to depict the couple as having already reached a level of acceptance regarding their son's death is pivotal. The narrative begins with both characters seemingly at peace, which sets the stage for the film's exploration of how technology can disrupt the natural grieving process. Rather than diving into overt expressions of sorrow, the film subtly critiques the notion of outsourcing emotional experiences to a robotic entity.

The introduction of the humanoid robot is portrayed with a light touch, contrasting the emotional weight of the subject matter. Otone is drawn to the idea of adopting the robot, while Kensuke remains skeptical. Their decision to proceed with the trial reflects a broader commentary on society's increasing reliance on technology to fill emotional voids. As they engage with the robot, their interactions reveal a complex dynamic where the line between memory and artificiality begins to blur.

Emotional Disconnect and Catharsis

As the story unfolds, the film navigates through familiar themes of nostalgia and the rituals of parenthood. Kensuke finds himself engaging in activities he once shared with Kakeru, while Otone uses the robot as a means to confront her unresolved feelings. This duality highlights the film's critique of emotional outsourcing; while the robot provides a semblance of companionship, it also serves as a barrier to genuine emotional engagement.

Koreeda’s narrative is punctuated by moments that underscore the fragility of human emotions in the face of technological convenience. The film’s title, drawn from a passage in "The Little Prince," emphasizes the theme of imagination versus reality. The protagonist's struggle to draw a sheep, ultimately leading to a box with air holes, symbolizes the limitations of artificial constructs in capturing the essence of human experience.

The film’s exploration of the characters’ emotional journeys is further complicated by the presence of a community grappling with child abductions, which serves as a backdrop to the couple's story. This element introduces a sense of urgency and danger, contrasting with the otherwise serene setting and prompting viewers to question the safety and morality of relying on technology to fill emotional gaps.

Why it matters

"Sheep in the Box" raises significant questions about the role of artificial intelligence in our lives, particularly in the context of grief and memory. Koreeda’s film critiques the notion of using technology as a substitute for human connection, suggesting that while AI may offer convenience, it cannot replicate the depth of human emotions. The film’s portrayal of the couple's relationship with the robot serves as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of allowing technology to mediate our most profound experiences.

The narrative ultimately challenges creators and technologists to consider the ethical implications of developing AI that interacts with human emotions. As society increasingly embraces technology, the film posits that our humanity is defined by our ability to remember and imagine, not merely by our capacity to adapt to convenience. Koreeda's work serves as a reminder that while technology can enhance our lives, it should not replace the essential human experiences that shape our identities.

In conclusion, "Sheep in the Box" presents a thought-provoking exploration of grief, memory, and the complexities of human-robot relationships. By examining the emotional stuntedness that can arise from reliance on artificial companions, Koreeda invites audiences to reflect on the nature of their own relationships with technology and the importance of nurturing genuine emotional connections in an increasingly artificial world. The film premiered at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival and is set for release by NEON later this year.