Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Heartfelt comedy drama has language, mild peril, drinking.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Rams
What's the Story?
In RAMS, brothers Colin (Sam Neill) and Les (Michael Caton) breed sheep on neighboring farms, yet have grown to despise each other over the years. They compete in an annual ram-judging contest, but when Colin suspects Les's prize ram of contracting a deadly disease, it puts all the local sheep, and the livelihood of the local farmers, in jeopardy. As they try to find ways to survive the disaster, the answer may be closer to home than they realize.
Is It Any Good?
As much a study of the trappings of masculinity, and the struggles between tradition and progress, as it is about sheep, this is a gentle comedy drama with a surprisingly big heart. Adapted from the 2015 Icelandic film of the same name -- which itself received many plaudits -- Rams could easily have wandered into farce and slapstick. But thankfully it avoids these trappings, maintaining a light tone, while offering something a little deeper from its characters.
Neill, who regularly shares photos of his real-life farm on social media, is ideally cast as the calm, loving breeder, who reminds his "girls" how beautiful they are and gives his ram brotherly pep talks. He's the antithesis of Caton's alcoholic recluse, whose temper is expressed in bullet-fueled tirades and a "get off my lawn" mentality. The pair are like repelling magnets, the emotional distance between them forever undermined by their close proximity and the unspoken connection of underlying similarity -- a strong force that continues to pull them in each other's direction. It's a tension that can never be overcome without acknowledging their place in each other's past and the inevitable role they must play in rebuilding themselves and their futures.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the relationship between Colin and Les in Rams. What are the similarities and differences between the two main characters? What is the importance of communication in rebuilding their relationship? Thinking about you own relationships with your siblings, when have you managed to overcome an issue by talking it through?
Discuss some of the language used in the movie. Did it seem necessary or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie?
How was drinking portrayed in the movie? Were there consequences? Why is that important?
How are the animals treated in the movie? Did you find any scenes upsetting?
Movie Details
- In theaters : February 5, 2021
- On DVD or streaming : February 5, 2021
- Cast : Sam Neill , Michael Caton , Miranda Richardson
- Director : Jeremy Sims
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Samuel Goldwyn Films
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Animals
- Character Strengths : Communication , Teamwork
- Run time : 115 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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