50 years ago, Aardman Animations burst onto screens in 1976 when a plastacine character named Morph appeared on the art programme Take Hart. Since then, the studio has grown, not only in size but in reputation, with creations like Wallace and Gromit, winning Oscars and hitting the big screen with movies like Chicken Run. One of their characters, Shaun the Sheep, was a spin-off from A Close Shave and grew into a popular children’s TV series. After two previously successful movie outings, we have his third big-screen adventure, Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom, and to say this is a triumph is an understatement and proof that Aardman are not only the kings of stop-motion animation, but have the best eye when it comes to slapstick comedy.

After an accident leaves Shaun and his fellow sheep without pumpkins for their Halloween event, the inventive creature produces a tonic that can make new pumpkins grow from a single seed in a matter of hours. Unfortunately, the Farmer, wanting to impress the local vet, finds the tonic, believes it is for hair growth, and pours it onto his scalp, turning him into a walking mass of hair that people mistake for a horrible beast.

Aardman’s skill in making movies like this is that they take the essence of silent films and bring them up to date. Not a word is uttered throughout the film, just a series of grunts and noises, so everything has to be visual. From the moment the film begins, we’re hit with joke after joke that makes most other comedies hang their heads in shame. It is brimming with ideas and inventions that most other movies would flog to death, except here, most of the best gags are throwaways, blink and you’d miss them, which make these films so utterly re-watchable.

They also love cinema, so they often reference past masterpieces. Here we have nods to the original Frankenstein and Hammer Horrors, without once winking at the audience to say how clever they are with these references. If you notice them, then that is fine. If not, it doesn’t matter. What matters is that this is a perfect Halloween film for the very young and the young at heart. It romps along at a tremendous pace, has clear storytelling, and never needs to explain itself, even when things get completely bizarre.

I was lucky enough to see a relaxed screening with neurodivergent audience members, and it captivated them from start to finish, which is a huge plus for the studio. It is accessible to everyone, and the jokes work on all levels. It also has plenty of heart and warmth; even when the locals go on the rampage, the humour makes it all seem alright. What is a real, genuine surprise, in a very good way, is a same-sex wedding that is ruined by the so-called creature.

As you watch the plasticine antics, you become almost lost in this world, where the details of the settings play just as important a part as the action in the foreground. These filmmakers aren’t out to rush their job, but the skill and patience they bring are incredible. With all the talk of AI generation, it cannot replace the expertise of craftspeople who put their heart and soul into producing work like this.

Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom is a delight from start to finish. Funny, sometimes poignant, but always entertaining. It isn’t just a family film; it’s a film anyone can enjoy. I laughed more through this than I have at any other film this year and came out with a huge grin on my face.

4 out of 5

Directors: Steve Cox and Matthew Walker

Starring: Justin Fletcher, John Sparkes, Kate Harbour, Simon Greenall, Nina Sosanya, Paul Whitehouse, Roman Kemp, Dani Dyer, Matthew Walker, Steve Cox

Written by: Mark Burton, Giles Pilbrow and (based on the characters created) Nick Park

Running Time: 81 mins

Cert: U

Release date: 18th September 2026