Watch Addicted to Sheep

Addicted to Sheep is a beautifully crafted documentary that takes viewers into the life of a family who run a sheep farm in the remote hills of North East England over the course of one year. The documentary is directed by Magali Pettier and is a great example of how to bring the remote and low-tech world of farming into the world of cinema. The film reveals a world that most people are unfamiliar with, presenting a realistic portrait of rural life in which the modern and the traditional coexist in harmony.

The movie follows the lives of Tom and Kay Hutchinson, who raise more than 1000 sheep on the hills of Northumberland, England. They live with their three children, Harry, Isaac, and Sophie, in a remote and stunningly picturesque landscape. Throughout the movie, we follow their daily work routine, from harvesting the hay, taking care of the flock, and shearing the sheep, to preparing for winter, and celebrating Christmas. We also witness their struggles and hardships, market fluctuations, the ever-increasing competition, weather changes, and rural isolation.

Addicted to Sheep is a true labor of love, both on the part of the filmmakers and the Hutchinsons. The documentary is not just about the hard work of farming but about the connection the family has with the land, the animals, and each other. The movie's cinematography feels like a painting, with rolling, enchanting hills that make you long for rural life, and captures the animals' movements beautifully.

One of the film's notable achievements is that it never glorifies nor romanticizes farming life. It portrays it as a tough, labor-intensive business that requires a lot of work and dedication. The documentary sheds light on the nitty-gritty of farming life, such as sheep birthing, feeding, and healthcare. It shows us that farming is not just about growing crops or tending to livestock, but a system of checks and balances that requires attention and dedication.

The documentary also introduces us to the Hutchinson family who share their lives with us. We see that the family is close-knit, hardworking, and humorous, and their love for each other is evident as they navigate through life's difficulties together. The kids, Harry, Isaac, and Sophie, are all unique and contribute their time and effort to help the farm sustain. It is a nice surprise to see kids' eagerness to learn and help at such a young age.

The documentary also brings attention to the economic realities of farming. We see the family shuffling through paperwork, looking for funding and grants. The film tells us about the challenges of being a small farmer: the cost, the fluctuation of market price, and the financial challenges. The farming world is tough, but the Hutchinsons are motivated by their love for the animals and the lifestyle that they enjoy.

Addicted to Sheep has a soul that is rarely seen in a documentary. The presence of genuine emotions and passion throughout the documentary is remarkable. The family works tirelessly to make ends meet, taking control of the land, and providing a roof for their sheep rather than sending them off to be managed by someone else.

There are moments of sadness, moments of tension and moments of joy throughout the documentary, but everything leads up towards a poignant and powerful finale where the family embraces the festive season together. Kay sharing moments with her daughter Sophie and Tom celebrating the spirit of the holidays with his young boys all create a heartwarming and memorable ending.

The documentary's soundtrack is just as compelling as the footage. The music is understated and simple, yet adds a layer of emotion and sentiment to the film. Everything from the scenic views to the animal sounds, gives the film an authentic feel. Addicted to Sheep is a true love letter to farming life and provides a portrait of a family trying to make it out in the world while relying on what their land can provide.

In summary, Addicted to Sheep is a beautifully crafted and authentic documentary that exposes the realities of farming life. The documentary is honest about the hardships, struggles and joy of farming, all while capturing the essence of family values and small-town living. This is a documentary that the entire family can learn and appreciate, a film that will linger with you long after you finish watching it.

Addicted to Sheep is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.