Film Review: 'Mr. Holmes'

"Mr. Holmes" is a graceful depiction of former super sleuth Sherlock at age 93. And although now struggling with senility, he's determined to close the greatest case he never solved.

It's 1947 and Sherlock Holmes (Sir Ian McKellen) has just returned from Japan to his Sussex farmhouse where he tends bees. Their royal jelly combined with prickly ash harvested in Hiroshima will, hopefully, diminish his dementia. His widowed housekeeper, Mrs. Munro (Laura Linney), and her wiser-than-his-14-year-old son, Roger (Milo Parker), tend to his needs. In a backhanded compliment, Holmes expresses his approval of Roger to his mother by quipping, "Exceptional children are often the product of unremarkable parents." Mr. Holmes doesn't mince words.

Holmes is still haunted by a case 35 years ago which ended his career. It involved and angry husband who secured his services to monitor his beautiful wife's behavior. It ended quite tragically. Bits and pieces of the case gradually begin to emerge amidst the fog of forgetfulness as Roger encourages Mr. Holmes to sort out the facts.

Director Bill Condon (who worked with McKellen in "Gods and Monsters") employs all the elements of a great film in "Mr. Holmes." The story is perfectly paced as it flashes back and forth in time. The mystery subtly plays out against the backdrop of stunning cinematography as a sweeping score by Carter Burwell fills the air. And the attention to detail lends such authencity to the overall feel of the film, we are visually transported to another time and place.

McKellen's performance is so  exquisitely nuanced, it's impossible to take your eyes off of him. His Mr. Holmes is stoic, distinguished, playful, shrewd and frightened. His interactions with the immensely talented Milo Parker are unexpectedly revealing and heartwarming. Their scenes together provoke giggles and tears. 

Bottom line, "Mr. Holmes" is a wondrous tale about finding love late in life. Elusive as it can be, sometimes it's found in the least likely place at a time when seemingly all is lost.