Ian McKellen Plays A Wizened Detective In First Clip From Mr. Holmes

Roadside Attractions has dropped the first clip from their upcoming drama, Mr. Holmes. In addition to its corking central performance, it makes one point abundantly clear: not all iterations of Sherlock Holmes are youthful, muscled-up versions like Robert Downey Jr. in Guy Ritchie’s action-packed franchise. For director Bill Condon’s less showy take on the iconic figure, the Gods and Monsters helmer has enlisted Ian McKellen to tackle the titular role.

In the movie, McKellen plays an older, wiser Holmes who, at the age of 93 is still solving crimes whilst nestled in his humble seaside abode. With only the company of his housekeeper and her young son, his mind wanders from his bee-keeping hobby to an unsolved case in Japan. As the reason behind his retirement rests within that unresolved mystery, he enlists the help of the young lad to help him crack the case.

As expected, McKellen delivers a performance in this first clip that’s on a par with some of his finest turns. His ageing Holmes relays the details of the case to the youngster in a style that’s compelling and whimsical. Reuniting with Condon – with whom he worked on Gods And Monsters – has evoked a similarly grounded response from the British actor. You can check it out above, and be sure to let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Mr. Holmes will make its worldwide debut at the Berlin Film Festival before it arrives in theaters sometime this year.

MR. HOLMES is a new twist on the world’s most famous detective.1947, an aging Sherlock Holmes returns from a journey to Japan, where, in search of a rare plant with powerful restorative qualities, he has witnessed the devastation of nuclear warfare. Now, in his remote seaside farmhouse, Holmes faces the end of his days tending to his bees, with only the company of his housekeeper and her young son, Roger. Grappling with the diminishing powers of his mind, Holmes comes to rely upon the boy as he revisits the circumstances of the unsolved case that forced him into retirement, and searches for answers to the mysteries of life and love – before it’s too late.