Mr. Holmes

Many fine actors have portrayed the world’s greatest detective Sherlock Holmes, but this performance by Sir Ian McKellen may be one of the best ever committed to screen. Set in 1947, the film deals with an elderly Holmes, retired from the detective trade. Living in the Sussex countryside with his housekeeper (Laura Linney) and her son, he looks back on his life, eager to recall the details of his final case whilst struggling with the loss of his memory. The film is so beautifully made that it can’t fail to touch your heart. McKellen, playing a man much older than his years, convinces with little ticks and mannerisms that help make a normally distant character incredibly human – you can’t help but empathise with him as he faces the loss of his mind, the thing that truly makes him distinct. All aspects of the Holmes mythology are touched upon – Watson, Mycroft and Mrs Hudson all crop up – but the heart of the story is Holmes’ relationship with his new companions, and what could be a family drama becomes so much more. The three central characters work together to create one of the most poignant and heart-warming films you’re going to see in a while.