Hirokazu Kore-eda's "Sheep in the Box" Debuts at Cannes 2026
The film follows a married couple who adopt an AI humanoid modeled after their deceased seven-year-old son, exploring themes of grief, memory, and human interaction with artificial intelligence.
Premiering at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, Hirokazu Kore-eda's latest film, Sheep in the Box, centers on Kensuke Komoto (Daigo) and Otone (Haruka Ayase). The couple is approached by REbirth company, which offers them a free trial of a humanoid program. The AI child, played by Rimu Kuwaki, serves as a visible placeholder for their dead son's memory.
"The narrative explores the couple's impulse to avoid feelings rather than confront them."
Described as emotionally restrained, the film is set in a near-future Kamakura and examines the role of AI in human emotional life. It references Steven Spielberg's A.I. Artificial Intelligence and incorporates elements from The Little Prince.
The film received a B- grade from a reviewer. NEON plans to release it in theaters later in 2026.