In 1947, long-retired and near the end of his life, Sherlock Holmes grapples with an unreliable memory and must rely on his housekeeper's son as he revisits the still-unsolved case that led to his retirement.
Acting
McKellen's physicality ages Holmes without makeup tricks.
Cinematography
Honey-drenched Sussex coast vs. fog-choked Japan flashbacks.
Writing
Holmes finally admits feelings—devastatingly.
Director
Bill Condon
Ian McKellen
Sherlock Holmes
Laura Linney
Mrs. Munro
Milo Parker
Roger
Hiroyuki Sanada
Tamiki Umezaki
Roger Allam
Dr. Barrie
Frances de la Tour
Madame Schirmer
Hattie Morahan
Ann Kelmot
Phil Davis
Inspector Gilbert
Patrick Kennedy
Thomas Kelmot
John Sessions
Mycroft Holmes
Frances Barber
Matinee "Madame Schirmer"
Charles Maddox
Oswald
Takako Akashi
Maya Umezaki
Michael Culkin
Bank Manager
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
McKellen played both Sherlock AND Watson in his career (1976 BBC radio).
Condon directed Gods and Monsters (1998), another McKellen film about a genius facing death—this is their elegiac reunion.
US
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