Sherlock Holmes, the famed detective with extreme powers of deduction, is one of the most iconic, enduring characters in literature. Over a century old, he is constantly reinvented and loved. This year sees him reinvented again with Mr Holmes, which finds 93-year-old Holmes (Ian McKellan) long retired and living in seclusion with his housekeeper, Mrs Munro (Laura Linney) and son Roger (Milo Parker). On reading the book of his last case, written by his friend Watson, he becomes intent on writing his own true version, only to struggle with his deteriorating memory.
The film is a marvellous character study directed by Bill Condon. Unlike other Holmes stories, the focus is not the case, but Holmes himself, with the mystery unfolding through his fractured memory. Condon treats Holmes affectionately, in a similar way to his masterful James Whale biopic Gods And Monsters (also starring McKellan), making his story universal, with themes about age, memory and relationships.
McKellan completely inhabits Holmes, effortlessly showing him in his prime via flashbacks and more impressively as the fragile 93-year-old: utterly powerhouse acting aided dependably by Linney and Parker.
Mr Holmes showcases the talents of a legendary actor and delves deeper into a legendary character with wit and raw emotion.
