Young Sherlock offers a fresh take on the most famous detective on Prime Video
With Guy Ritchie’s stamp of approval, the series prioritizes growth, action, and a different dynamic with Moriarty.
Sherlock Holmes is one of the fictional characters who has been adapted most often to other media. His method of investigation and deduction has not only inspired works directly related to the character created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, but also other types of figures within popular culture. And although we have always been accustomed to a mature and expert Holmes, stories about his youth have not been left behind. Director Guy Ritchie returns once again to this character in a version that is still in his early days, far from calling himself a detective, and involved in an investigation that seeks to solve more mysteries than one would expect in this adaptation of Young Sherlock on Prime Video.
A look at the origins
Young Sherlock introduces us to a 19-year-old Sherlock Holmes who, thanks to his brother Mycroft, is released from prison and enters Oxford as an assistant to the professors. Despite his brilliant mind, he is still a novice who needs to hone his skills in the art of solving crimes. However, his time at Oxford does not last as long as he imagines, as the arrival of a mysterious princess and the death of several professors become the catalysts for a mystery that is as personal as it is international.
One of the first details to highlight is Guy Ritchie’s touch. From the action shots and use of music—both within the story and in the credits—to techniques such as slow motion and on-screen signs. Although this series is in no way connected to the films starring Robert Downey Jr., but is based on the series of books by writer Andrew Lane, his previous experience with the character is evident. In cinematic terms, the series is very well crafted.
In terms of acting, Hero Fiennes-Tiffin is quite enjoyable as Sherlock Holmes and knows how to handle the character’s pace well (as well as taking blows to the nose). One of the most interesting details of the story is that, as this is a young Sherlock, he does not have the good John Watson, but rather his faithful companion on this occasion is James Moriarty, Holmes’ eternal rival. Donal Finn’s work creates a duo that works surprisingly well. For his part, Max Irons as Mycroft Holmes gives a solid performance as the serious and calculating brother. The series also makes the most of Colin Firth as Bucephalus Hodge. Finally, Zine Tseng stands out as Princess Gulun Shou, who, beyond her acting, excels in her combat skills.
In terms of the story, Young Sherlock starts with some very interesting initial episodes and, in a way, it feels like everything is moving very quickly. However, the main mystery ends up serving as a catalyst for new enigmas that unfold throughout the season. This allows the narrative to advance and for us to get to know Sherlock better, but it also causes the initial mystery to be momentarily relegated to the background, as the protagonist focuses on solving new cases that, while contributing to his development, briefly overshadow the initial premise.
Related stories
Young Sherlock manages to offer a fresh take on a widely known character, focusing on exploring his insecurities, mistakes, and lessons learned before becoming the legend we all recognize. With meticulous production, solid performances, and a narrative that prioritizes the protagonist’s growth, the series finds its identity by distancing itself from more traditional versions. Although its fast pace and the dispersion of the main mystery can be uneven at times, the show holds up thanks to the charisma of its cast, making it clear that there are still new ways to tell the story of Sherlock Holmes.
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