[Movie Review] Mr. Holmes (2015)

Mr. Holmes is a 2015 crime drama mystery film directed by Bill Condon, based on the 2005 novel A Slight Trick of the Mind written by Mitch Cullin and featuring the character Sherlock Holmes.

The film stars Sir Ian McKellen as Sherlock Holmes, Laura Linney as housekeeper Mrs. Munro and Milo Parker as her son Roger. Set primarily during his retirement, the film follows a 93-year-old Holmes who struggles to recall the details of his final case while his mind begins to deteriorate.

Yes, you read correctly, Sherlock Holmes is 93-years-old in this film and is played by Magneto, Sir Ian McKellen. These were the draws for me to catch it in cinema in the first place.

If you are used to the modern, witty new BBC series, Sherlock, starring Benedict Cumberbatch, it’s likely you will like Mr. Holmes too. It’s an older, slower version:

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The movie’s pacing is a little slow at the beginning, but it gets more exciting as it goes along. Sir McKellen is a superb actor as usual and delivers his chops as a frail old Sherlock Holmes, fighting to keep his wits, while learning more about humility and humanity in his older years.

The movie humanises the genius that is often made up the character, Sherlock Holmes. Beyond his super smart brain, he is fundamentally still a human being seeking love and acceptance from those around him.

It took him 93 years, but he did learn something which you will discover at the end of the movie and find it rather endearing.

Mr. Holmes is a recommended watch from me and I can see awards nominations coming up for Sir McKellen for his role in this movie. Go catch it if you are a fan of Sherlock Holmes and the mystery and crime genres!

Mr. Holmes is now showing in Singapore cinemas.