An aged, retired Sherlock Holmes looks back on his life, and grapples with an unsolved case involving a beautiful woman.
Anyone expecting opera and opium will be disappointed. But a majestic McKellen rescues a safe script, giving us a fresh look at an icon even the most casual viewer will be (over)familar with.
A gentle blend of detective mystery and amiable character study. Contains scenes of mild pottering.
McKellen’s impersonation of a 93-year-old Sherlock as a Galápagos tortoise is tremendous, though Bill Condon’s riff on the detective as an old man is flawed and muddled.
Director Condon, best known for The Twilight Saga but who also worked with McKellen on Gods and Monsters, brings immense grace and humour to a film that benefits from its low-key but forensic approach.
The problem is the story. Elementary, really.
Alas, there is just something a little underpowered about the case itself and the decision to spend so much time with the elderly Holmes serves only to further diminish interest in its resolution.
Ian McKellen brings affection and grace to a whimsical portrait of an elderly Sherlock Holmes, struggling with his memory and his myth.
General release. Check local listings for show times.