Trending Now - Kore-eda's 'sheep in the Box': a Heartfelt AI Fable

WHO:

Little White Lies - Hirokazu Kore-eda is the director of the film "Sheep in the Box."

Variety - The film features a humanoid character named Kakeru.

WHAT:

Little White Lies - The film's premise involves a grieving couple who purchase a robot companion after the death of their son.

Variety - The film is described as a sci-fi fable about a 7-year-old AI humanoid.

WHERE:

Little White Lies - The film is set in a narrative context involving a couple's home life.

WHY:

Little White Lies - The couple's motivation for acquiring the robot companion is to cope with their grief after losing their son.

HOW:

Variety - The humanoid Kakeru increases in agency and intelligence as the movie progresses, although it struggles with self-identity.

(UPDATED May 18, 2026 16:06 UTC)

Hirokazu Kore-eda directs a new film titled "Sheep in the Box," which tells the story of a grieving couple who purchase a robot companion named Kakeru after the tragic loss of their son. This sci-fi fable explores the couple's home life and delves into themes of grief, as Kakeru, a 7-year-old AI humanoid, gradually gains agency and intelligence while grappling with its own self-identity. As the narrative unfolds, the couple's motivation to cope with their sorrow becomes a central focus, highlighting the emotional complexities of their situation.