Mr Holmes (2015) Review

"I've decided to write the story down; as it was, not as John made it. Get it right, before I die."

The fictional character of Sherlock Holmes, conceptualised by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, is one of the most recognisable literary figures and the tales of the notorious detective have been adapted for stage, screen and radio, spawning over 200 films in total – the most recent instalment being Mr Holmes.

The film stars Sir Ian McKellen in the titular role, and commences long after Sherlock Holmes has retired, based upon the novel A Slight Trick of the Mind by Mitch Cullin. The film follows Holmes as he spends his later years in an isolated farmhouse in Sussex, with his only companions being his housekeeper, Mrs Munro (Laura Linney) and her young son, Roger (Milo Parker). Now older, Holmes finds his memory deteriorating, and struggles to recall the events of one case in particular, in which a young man came to him to seek his expertise in understanding the recent behaviour of his wife. The film approaches the character of Sherlock Holmes from a different angle than recent screen adaptations that focus on a younger portrayal of the infamous detective, such as the BBC’s Sherlock. Rather, in Mr Holmes the tone is more melancholic, with Holmes retrospectively reviewing his detective career, relationships, and the public’s interest with a version of Sherlock Holmes that may be incredibly dissimilar to the reality. In one particular scene Holmes goes to view a film adaptation of his investigative tales, and comments on the portrayal of himself to be ‘pantomime’.

But if you are expecting a fast-paced plot and hard-hitting action, you will be disappointed. Mr Holmes meanders along at its own pace, presenting itself as more of a limited memoir of the life of the infamous detective, following the thoughts and feelings – namely regret – that haunt Holmes as he nears the end of his life. However, this is not necessarily a bad thing; the film caters to an audience interested in the character of Sherlock Holmes at a deeper level, beyond his ability to read facts and follow logic to solve a case. It focuses on Holmes as a person, facing deteriorating physical and mental abilities, and the legacy he may leave behind. The cinematography is indulgent, with the white cliffs of Dover and the bright, flowering countryside providing an idyllic backdrop, which helps to mediate the sometimes solemn tone of the film.

Enjoying this review? Read the rest on Concrete, here.