Young Sherlock Movie Review: Disappointing Nod to Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes Films

In the exciting new series Young Sherlock, the action kicks off right away with a bare-knuckle boxing scene that will have you on the edge of your seat. Directed by Guy Ritchie, this adaptation of Andrew Lane’s Young Sherlock Holmes novels has his signature style written all over it. While it may feel a bit outdated at times, with its nostalgic music choices and attempts to capture the dynamic between Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law’s characters, it still delivers an entertaining twist on the iconic detective.

Before Sherlock teamed up with Dr. Watson, we get to see him in his college years, brilliantly portrayed by Hero Fiennes Tiffin and Max Irons as his brother Mycroft. The dynamic between the Holmes brothers is intriguing, with Mycroft taking on a more supervisory role to rein in Sherlock’s wild ways. The rest of the cast, including Dónal Finn as James Moriarty and Zine Tseng as Princess Gulun Shou’an, bring even more depth to the story as they unravel a series of murders around Oxford University.

Created by Matthew Parkhill and Peter Harness, Young Sherlock offers a fresh take on the relationship between Sherlock and Moriarty, casting them as college pals. While some adaptations have succeeded with bold departures from the original canon, Young Sherlock struggles to stand out on its own. The heart of Sherlock’s character, his eccentricity and uniqueness, seems to be slightly missing in this adaptation.

One of the challenges of bringing Holmes to life on screen is showcasing his deductive skills in a captivating way. Although Young Sherlock opts for a “mind palace” visualization technique, where Sherlock and Moriarty explore crime scenes together, it doesn’t always hit the mark in terms of impressiveness. The series also delves into the Holmes family’s troubled past, shedding light on Sherlock’s upbringing and relationships.

A notable absence in Young Sherlock is Watson, but the show cleverly substitutes Moriarty for a different kind of partnership with Sherlock. While this dynamic has potential, the execution falls a bit short, lacking the contrast needed between the two characters. Moriarty’s character feels slightly off from what fans may expect, leading to a less compelling portrayal of this iconic partnership.

Overall, Young Sherlock is a thrilling series that offers a unique perspective on the famous detective duo. While it may not hit all the marks in terms of character depth and storytelling, it still provides an entertaining and intriguing look into the early days of Sherlock Holmes.