Simra Sheikh and Erica Mugimu also contributed to this article
“After all, life is a mystery.” – The Sheep Detectives
The line to the Maccario room in the Malden Public Library formed around 5:50 PM, and ten minutes later, the doors to Family Movie Night flew open, and people old and young began bustling in, eager to find good seats in the room.
On Wednesday, October 21st The Malden Public Library hosted a Family Movie Night showcasing The Sheep Detectives. The picking of this movie wasn’t by chance. Stacy Holder, the event coordinator for Family Movie Night for over 28 years, described, “I show all different kinds of movies, different themes, different genres, different topics… I try to show a hidden gem.” Holder added that “The Sheep Detectives is known for being “lighthearted” and “fun.”
The Sheep Detectives was directed by Kyle Balda and stars Hugh Jackman, Brett Goldstein, and Patrick Stewart. Based on the 2005 German novel Three Bags Full, the film follows Hugh Jackman as George the Shepherd and the flock of sheep he cares for. One day, George is found dead, and his sheep must come together to solve his murder before they are sold. Released in May 2026, the movie received a 95% on Rotten Tomatoes.
“It’s about a bond between a human, a shepherd, and his sheep with just a little bit of mystery thrown in,” Holder added.
“No, you won’t. You’ll remember him because it’s right. Because it’s just.”
“Just what?”
“No, not ju- I mean justice.”
“Just us what?”
“Jus-tice. Justice.” – The Sheep Detectives
On occasion, Holder stated that she works in association with Malden Reads to display a movie connected to the book currently being read.
People of Malden might be hesitant to attend movie nights like these at first. Watching a movie in the comfort of your home is a fun experience, but coming together as a community united by your love for movies is a shared and memorable occasion that can’t be experienced at home. Holder shared that “it’s a great thing, and it brings people together.” It becomes all the more special when you’re going with your family or friends. Deb, a moviegoer, expressed how heard about it from “two friends”. When I heard the movie name, I recognized it and went, ‘Oh I’ll go!”
“It’s nice up here, but a bit lonely.” – The Sheep Detectives
“My goal is to bring people together. You don’t have to stay isolated at home,” Holder said. Going to events like these allows for “conversation” to develop between people. Something that wouldn’t have happened at home.
“He’s dead, George is dead.”
“Wha- What do you mean dead? That’s not real. That’s just in the books.” – The Sheep Detectives
Unbeknownst to many, Family Movie Nights often provide free snacks, candy, and refreshments to enjoy during the movie.
Funding to be able to bring an element like this into Family Movie Night would not be made possible without the support of the Friends of The Malden Public Library, a non-profit organization run entirely by volunteers whose purpose is to support the Malden Public Library as they provide information and promote the love of reading and learning to citizens of Massachusetts.
Members of Friends of the Malden Public Library helped to reach this goal by raising money for different events at the Malden Public Library, such as Family Movie Night.
“Ooh! I have a question. What’s the meaning of human life if it can all just end one day in the blink of an eye?” – The Sheep Detectives
The magic is far from over. “I show a movie once a month,” Holder exclaimed. The next movie being showcased is I Swear on Wednesday, November 18th, from 6:00-8:15 PM directed by Kirk Jones and starring Robert Aramayo, Maxine Peake, and Scott Ellis Watson as they bring to life John Davidson and his journey with Tourettes on screen.
“Come and join us!” Holder concluded.
In remembrance of Sir Patrick Stewart, “A friend should never be forgotten.” – The Sheep Detectives
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