Review of Mr. Holmes (2015) by Late R — 29 Jun 2017
I wasn't planning on watching this film, it looked too sleepy and British and too damn "period". I think I was turned off because it looked so similar in both name and in style to "Mr.
Turner", which I did not enjoy. I was also wary because it was directed by the same guy who directed the last two 'Twilight' films, which are arguably the worst movies ever made. But I'm so glad I reconsidered.
The premise is that Sherlock Holmes is in the twilight of his life and is losing his memory, and the film documents his efforts to recall the details of his last case... in essence, solving the mystery again through a series of flashbacks.
The film is part mystery, part drama, and both are interwoven effectively and lead to satisfying reveals. So you see him in the present day (as an old man) and in the past (as a slightly less-old man).
The surprise of the film is that the present day story is as engaging as the mystery itself, as Sherlock reflects on his past relationships and affects/is affected by his current ones. The film is half mystery (in the past) and half drama (in the present), and both are deftly interwoven and build to satisfying conclusions.
Not only is the film well-constructed, it's also beautifully shot and the acting is impeccable all round - Ian McKellen delivers an expectedly stellar performance as Mr. Holmes, but little Milo Parker is just as remarkable in his supporting role.
It's quite a beautiful story with a surprising amount of heart and emotionality, and achieves what was thought to be unachievable: the famous logician finally learns what it is to be human, and gains his own humanity in the process.
It's a journey worth watching for sure.
This review of Mr. Holmes (2015) was written by Late R on 29 Jun 2017.
Mr. Holmes has generally received positive reviews.
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