written by: Mark Burton and Giles Pilbrow
produced by: Richard Beek and Mark Burton
directed by: Steve Cox and Matthew Walker
rated: PG (for mild, scary action)
runtime 81 min.
U.S. release date: September 18, 2026

Founded in 1972, beloved British stop-motion animation company Aardman Animations has shown an incredible knack for delivering clever, fun tales for all ages. Their stories usually revolve around quirky humans and anthropomorphic animals, neither of whom speaks, but they are very expressive. Over the years, the studio has also shown an affinity for classic monster flicks from the States, as seen in a handful of comedy horror features, such as the Oscar-winning “Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit,” a vegetation-horror movie from 2005, and “Shaun the Sheep: Farmageddon,” a 2019 riff on alien invader movies. For their new feature, “Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom”, directors Steve Cox and Matthew Walker deliver another humorous, satisfying Halloween outing, with an emphasis on strange farmland happenings and slapstick comedy.

With Halloween looming, Shaun (Justin Fletcher) has been secretly maintaining a pumpkin patch at Mossy Bottom Farm, while young Timmy (also Fletcher) looks forward to carving his own jack-o’-lantern. The flock’s caretaker, The Farmer (John Sparkes), is considering attending the local Halloween Hoedown and trying to muster the courage to ask The Vet (Nina Sosanya) to be his date. When the clumsy Farmer unknowingly destroys the pumpkin patch, Shaun quickly does some mad scientist studying to concoct a miracle growth potion, hoping for a quick fix. This strange product of weird science falls into the farmer’s hands, and he mistakenly uses it on his bald head, thinking it’s his hair growth cream. Before long, the Farmer is covered from head to toe in an overgrowth of hair, looking like a crazed Bigfoot monster.

As he wanders aimlessly through town, the citizens of Mossingham become concerned, with the Shopkeeper drumming up paranoia and the Vet setting out to capture the furry creature and return him to what she believes is his island home. The only ones aware of who the titular “Beast” actually is are Shaun, the flock, and the Farmer’s resourceful dog, Bitzer (Sparkes). Everyone gets pulled into confusion and mayhem, with energetic physical comedy and silly visual gags, as the characters set out to either capture or save the Farmer.

One might think there couldn’t be so many misadventures on a farm, but each day brings new and unexpected opportunities. Aardman has always excelled at giving audiences characters with relatable aspirations, dreams, and/or problems that usually get misunderstood by others or snowball beyond their wildest expectations. Shaun and Timmy’s holiday enthusiasm is endearing and will connect with young viewers while also drawing nostalgia from older ones. The awkwardness of the meet-cute that blossoms between Farmer and Vet is sweet, showing both of their quirks, and especially the Farmer’s insecurity about balding. None of these are big “hot button” characteristics, nor do we expect them in the world of Aardman Animation. These are simple characterizations that we can easily connect with, and that deliver a welcome viewing experience.

That said, writers Mark Burton and Pilbrow include some not-so-subtle jabs at current societal addictions and concerns about animal preservation. There are more than a few comical quick shots of townsfolk glued to their smartphones or consumed by and with social media – there’s even a character simply named The Influencer (Dani Dyer), who is just a local young woman obsessed with live-streaming. There’s also some fun with local signs, whether they’re witty advertisements or confusing traffic warnings, the latter of which gets Bitzer booted for a parking violation. The writers get especially creative in the third act as the flock of sheep rescues their master, as the onlooking townspeople are taken aback by the unbelievable horror they witness. Take heed: this is PG-rated horror, a fun gateway to something funnier than it is frightful. The mad science is ultimately more harmless than harmful, but it’s definitely fun through and through.

The film’s artists have a good time with the visual concept design for the “Beast” of the feature. It becomes difficult for the frightened and confused Farmer to remain inconspicuous around town, much less get his bearings as his furry hair gets out of control. While the story clearly appreciates Halloween, the tone and mood align with the last two “Shaun the Sheep” features (and the series), leading with British wit and playfulness. Again, this is not at all a “scary movie”, but rather a charming and engaging one.

Directors Cox and Walker clearly embrace what has already proven to work in these wonderful animated features. It’s impossible to take for granted the fine details that make these features stand out visually, and “The Beast of Mossy Bottom” is a colorful, vibrant addition to the “Shaun the Sheep” series and another impressive work of art for Aardman.

RATING: ***