Do we really need another Sherlock Holmes already?
With multiple projects depicting the famed sleuth over the past twenty years, you would be forgiven if you’ve got Baker Street Burnout. After all, in the past two decades, we’ve had two televisions series (including Benedict Cumberbatch’s almost definitive take on the character), two films starring Robert Downey Jr., one with Ian McKellen as an aging version of the character and a goofy retelling starring Will Ferrell. (There have even been four Hallmark Movies based on famed Holmes stories, as well.) For Holmes to return again so soon, it would take someone to bring an entirely fresh take on the detective that manages to make us fall in love with them all over again.
“Hold my cloak,” said Guy Ritchie.
Produced (and sometimes directed) by Ritchie, Young Sherlock steps into the origins of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s iconic detective as he attempts to establish himself as one of England’s leading minds. Beginning as a disgraced young man, Sherlock is raw and unfettered, showing the untapped potential of Holmes’ mind. (Though, he can’t throw a punch to save his life.) Set in 1870s Oxford, Holmes’ first ever case sees him caught in the middle of murder case that threatens Britain’s elite. As he travels the globe, he uncovers a conspiracy that will change his life forever and further him on the journey to becoming the hero that the world needs.
Truthfully, I wasn’t sure what to expect from another step into the world of Holmes. But, without question, Ritchie has such a deep, passionate love for this character that Young Sherlock remains as infectious as ever. As the director of Robert Downey Jr’s two entries, the filmmaker’s return to Baker Street is yet another furiously fun exercise in mystery and mayhem. With a murder to solve and conspiracies in the wind, there’s a surprising amount of energy within this reimagining of the super sleuth’s origins. Sharply written and executed, every episode bounces with wit, charm and pop-infused vitality without ever betraying the essence of the character.
And thankfully, Ritchie doesn’t rely on old tricks to bring Young Sherlock to life either. Whereas the Downey films were marked by Ritchie’s patented ‘stop-time’ analytics, the youthful refresh takes a different visual approach to Sherlock’s crime solving that differentiates itself. In these moments, rather than pausing the frame for exposition, Ritchie brings Sherlock in as a third person into his own visions. This allows him to deconstruct the truth, reframing it into another narrative. (“Welcome to my overactive imagination”, he states.) It’s gimmicky, yes. But it’s also a tonne of fun, bringing Sherlock’s unique point of view to life in a way that’s visually fresh.
And, as always, truth remains a core element to Sherlock’s journey.
When we first meet Sherlock, we find that he’s someone caught between brilliance and malaise. Bouncing around between prisons, he remains trapped by boredom with few things to challenge his mind. However, as Sherlock begins to… well… unlock his (almost) supernatural powers of investigation, we begin to see the seeds of Scotland Yard’s greatest mind being planted and growing to fruition.
Much credit must be given to young Hero Fiennes Tiffin who steps into a role that has been not only well-established but also well-treed over the last two decades. It’s got to be daunting to take on the mantle of a character who has recently been brought to life by performers like Cumberbatch, Downey Jr. and McKellen. But, if it’s intimidating, Fiennes Tiffin doesn’t seem phased.
While it’s only the beginning of his evolution, Fiennes Tiffin manages to put enough of a stamp upon his performance that one cannot help but fall in love with him. There’s a confidence in his performance that feels almost comfortable. He carries himself with borderline arrogance but never loses his affability. Even so, despite his gruff exterior, the actor displays a softness underneath that highlights his desire for connection. His burgeoning relationships with Moriarty and the potential dalliance with the princess help flesh out young Sherlock’s recognition that he isn’t an island.
At least, not yet.
For this reason, Young Sherlock shockingly proves to be far more than merely elementary, my dear reader. Instead, Ritchie revives the beloved character with such youthful vigor that one can’t help but fall in love with him all over again.
To see our interview with Hero Fiennes Tiffins & Zine Tseng, click here.
Young Sherlock is available on Prime Video on March 4th, 2026.
