Mr. Holmes

In the late 1940s, Sherlock Holmes (Ian McKellen) is in his 90s. He has just returned from a trip to Japan and is settling in his beautiful farmhouse on the southern England coast where he maintains a bee colony enthusiastically. His only companions are his housekeeper (Laura Linney) with whom he has a cordial but cold connection; and her young son Roger (Milo Parker) with whom he bonds quite amicably.

Based on the novel "A Slight Trick of the Mind" by Mitch Cullin, the story is much different from what one would expect in a Holmes film. It does include a mystery story but it is briefly told in flashback. In addition to another flashback story (the recent trip to Japan ), the focus is more on Holmes' deteriorating health including a fading memory of a once brilliant mind.

Director Bill Condon also worked with McKellen in the superb "Gods and Monsters" (1998) in which McKellen gave a brilliant performance. While the role in "Mr. Holmes" is much less dramatic, the collaboration works well again as McKellen is very convincing as a former champion having to adjust to more modest circumstances while occasionally showing that his astute and observant mind still works well on occasion.

Overall, there is a beautiful mood of melancholy in the film which matches its lovely setting. Other themes include regret, guilt, and loss - both past and impending. While it does not have the thrills of a suspenseful murder mystery, it is still a pleasant and enjoyable film. - dbamateurcritic.