Black Sheep

Black Sheep is a 2006 comedy horror film from New Zealand, directed by feature film novice Jonathan King and starring Oliver Driver, Nathan Meister, and Tammy Davis. The film is a blend of classic horror film elements, hilarious comedic sketches, and an engaging storyline that keeps the audience hooked from start to finish.

Centered around the theme of genetic engineering, Black Sheep takes something as mundane as sheep and skillfully turns them into terrifying creatures threatening the very existence of our main characters. The movie gives an intriguing and fresh twist to the familiar mad-science trope, pushing the boundaries of what viewers think about when they picture a traditional horror movie antagonist.

Set against the backdrop of the mesmerizing sceneries of rural New Zealand, the film follows the life of the central character, Henry Oldfield, portrayed by Nathan Meister. Henry, tormented by a childhood trauma involving sheep, returns to his family's farm after a long hiatus, intending to sell his stake to his elder brother Angus, played by Peter Feeney. Oliver Driver, in the role of an environmental activist named Grant, and Tammy Davis, playing an animal rights enthusiast named Tucker, add to the colorful cast of characters.

The narrative takes a twisted turn when a secret genetic experiment, run by Angus, spirals out of control. It unleashes a horde of bloodthirsty, carnivorous sheep on the unsuspecting farm. As the slash-and-baa humor begins to emerge, Henry’s deep-seated fear of sheep transforms from an entirely irrational phobia into a terrifying reality.

The innovative concept of killer sheep may sound over-the-top, but the excellent acting, mixed with a cleverly written script, sells the idea perfectly. Among the cast, Oliver Driver stands out with his exceptional comedic timing. His character, Grant, provides some of the film's most amusing moments. Similarly, Nathan Meister delivers a convincing performance as the ovine-phobic protagonist.

Another aspect that adds depth to Black Sheep is the special effects and make-up, which are nothing short of impressive. Designed by Weta Workshop, a world-renowned special effects company known for its work on 'The Lord of The Rings' trilogy and 'King Kong', the gruesome transformation of the genetically-altered sheep is both graphically stunning and thoroughly convincing. The perfectly executed visual effects contribute to the film's overall appeal, making the fantastic and absurd aspects of the plot terrifyingly believable.

In terms of tone, Black Sheep is a triumphant fusion of comedy and horror, drawing inspiration from classic horror films while infusing it with a distinctly Kiwi brand of humor. Director Jonathan King does a fantastic job balancing skeins of black comedy with moments of genuine horror, providing the audience with an abundance of laughs and jumps almost equally.

As a comedy horror, Black Sheep doesn't fail to pay tribute to some of the greats in the genre, offering subtle nods here and there that a horror film enthusiast will appreciate, creating a sense of familiarity while at the same time bringing something unique to the table. While gore is undeniable in the film, it's not overly gratuitous. The film maintains a light-hearted vibe, sidestepping into outright horror, but pulling back just enough to stay firmly within the confines of a hilarious, incredibly entertaining romp.

Near the end, Black Sheep takes a veer towards eco-conscious messaging about the dangers of genetic experimentation, making a serious point under the guise of farcical humor—a genre mashup that underscores why New Zealand cinema is, at times, absolutely unmatched.

In a nutshell, Black Sheep is a strange and exhilarating trip into the weirder side of horror that manages to make an ordinarily harmless animal terrifying yet side-splittingly funny at the same time. It's a must-watch for anyone looking to enjoy a horror-comedy that doesn't take itself too seriously, yet delivers a consistent stream of thrills and guffaws and manages to make some thoughtful points amidst all the chaos.