Mr. Holmes a Review

Yesterday I finally got to see Mr. Holmes, a movie I have wanted to see from when I first found out about it. I have read the novel that the film was based on so I knew pretty much the plot of the piece.

If you are looking for a Sherlock Holmes Adventure like a Hound of the Baskervilles, this is not it.

This is a character piece splendidly acted by Ian McKellen as Holmes in his dotage and 30 years earlier on his last case before he retires to Sussex.

The structure of the film flips us between past and present and Sir Ian makes sure you know where you are in the narrative with just his body language. It is an amazing performance to watch unspool. His realization into how far his mind has gone and the sheer terror of loosing that which making him Sherlock Holmes was a tour de force. It is at times not comfortable to watch but very compelling.

Laura Linney is playing Holmes’ housekeeper and quietly gives a stunning performance as you watch a woman trying to keep her life and the life of her son together. I was surprised how much of their backstory the writer managed to get into the piece.

The find of the piece is a young actor by the name of Milo Parker who plays Laura Linney’s son. I foresee a long and brilliant future for this young actor. He managed to steal scenes from Sir Ian with little effort.

If you are a fan of Sherlock Holmes and/or a fan of Ian McKellen, this is a must see film.

It was a little confusing through the first hour as the storylines didn’t seem to fit together but by the end everything introduced makes sense within the story.

I will say that tissues are a must especially for the last half hour.

I have a feeling that the word Oscar is going to be bandies about this film even though it opened so early in the year.

I highly recommend this film.