NEON has released the first trailer for Sheep In The Box, the latest feature from acclaimed Japanese filmmaker Hirokazu Kore-eda, offering a moving first look at a sci-fi drama centred on grief, family and artificial intelligence.

Best known for emotionally rich family dramas such as Shoplifters and Monster, Kore-eda appears to be bringing his signature humanist storytelling into more futuristic territory with this latest project.

Set in the near future, Sheep In The Box follows Otone and Kensuke, a grieving couple struggling to cope after the death of their young son. In an attempt to process their loss, they welcome into their home a humanoid identical to the child they lost, complete with his appearance and voice.

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But rather than leaning into conventional sci-fi spectacle, the trailer suggests a deeply intimate and emotional story, using technology as a lens to explore mourning, memory and the emotional complexity of letting go.

The film stars Haruka Ayase, Daigo Yamamoto and Rimu Kuwaki, with Kore-eda writing, directing and editing the feature. The film premiered in competition at this year’s Festival de Cannes, continuing the director’s long-standing relationship with the festival.

With its haunting premise and understated emotional power, Sheep In The Box looks set to deliver another deeply affecting work from one of contemporary cinema’s most celebrated storytellers.

Sheep In The Box opened in Japan on 29th May, with a U.S. theatrical release set for 24th July via NEON. A UK release date has yet to be announced.

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