Ian McKellen Mr. Holmes

Of the many films that played at this year’s Berlinale, few seem as pleasant as Mr. Holmes, in which Ian McKellen plays the world’s greatest detective embarking on his final case. That is, on paper, something with fairly rich potential, given the wealth of material one can work from while carving their initials into the indelible figure — and thus exactly the sort of thing that gets screwed-up so often.

Judging by first reactions, though, Bill Condon has not wasted the potent mixture of subject and actor — part murder mystery, part exploration of myth, part showcase, all in a lavish period-piece dressing. So’s the impression I get from this latest trailer, which further boosts the credibility of early critical consensus — said with full knowledge that, yes, this is only a trailer — while revealing much of the film’s visual design. Here’s hoping this immense promise isn’t some Moriarty-like ruse. (I’ll see myself out via a waterfall.)

Have a look below:

mr. holmes poster

Synopsis:

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.

Mr. Holmes will enter a limited release on July 17.

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