Guy Ritchie’s “Young Sherlock” is a witty take on Sherlock Holmes’ unconventional youth and the perfect rainy day watch. The new series premiered on Amazon Prime Video March 4.
The show offers a glimpse into the mind of the iconic detective, portrayed by Hero Fiennes Tiffin. The 19-year-old is a nuisance to his older brother, Mycroft Holmes (Max Irons), as he fumbles over young adulthood and lands himself a cleaning job at Oxford University.
He becomes fast friends with the bold and quick-witted James Moriarty (Dónal Finn). The two join forces and genius minds to investigate a string of murders at the prestigious university. As they follow clues and run into trouble around every corner, Sherlock’s eccentric family seems to haunt the narrative.
“Young Sherlock” explores an era of the character’s life that hasn’t previously received screen time. This uncharted territory provided the creators with plenty of possibilities, especially with the relationship between Sherlock and James given that they are well-known enemies in the original stories.
The series suggests a new perspective, leaving the audience wondering how the young men eventually come to hate each other. This dynamic, brought to life by Fiennes Tiffin and Finn, is the show’s most valuable asset.
Fiennes Tiffin had a lot to prove as a self aware nepo baby. He had his breakthrough role in “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” where he played the young Tom Riddle alongside his own uncle Ralph Fiennes, the actor behind Voldemort. “Young Sherlock” is even somewhat of a family affair since his other uncle, Joseph Fiennes, takes on the role of Sherlock’s father.
Despite the nepotism, Fiennes Tiffin’s performance is a welcome digression from his previous works, particularly his role as Hardin Scott in the “After” saga. He is no longer forcing the persona of a troubled bad boy who is loosely based on an alternate-universe Harry Styles. With this new series, Fiennes Tiffin takes his craft to a new level of sophistication.
Finn’s portrayal of James Moriarty is a testament to his range as an actor. He may be recognized as the voice that originated Orpheus in the West End’s “Hadestown.” The Irish actor displays an unexpected side of Sherlock’s nemesis, convincing audiences that James was a dear friend before anything else.
Fiennes Tiffin and Finn effortlessly interact with one another as well as Zine Tseng, the actress behind the enigmatic new character Xiao Wei. Their witty banter is what keeps viewers watching, far more than the suspenseful mystery does.
The story is well-developed and complex. The multi-layered mystery is complete with plot twists and tidbits for the audience to try and piece together. The whodunit has a slow start, but it picks up pace by the third episode, where it takes on a whole new meaning. The series ends in shocking twists and wavering trust, setting it up nicely for a second season which has not yet been confirmed.
Being the director behind the 2009 film “Sherlock Holmes” starring Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law, Ritchie is evidently no stranger to the time period, genre or character. The “Young Sherlock” production design has the feel of an authentic period piece. The set and immersive backdrop of Oxford University allows the audience to step into an old-time mystery and the detective’s mind itself.
Among other well-informed choices the show’s score establishes the character of the entire series. It is the most productive at advancing the plot, creating suspense and providing clues for only the intent listeners. Viewers become their own versions of Sherlock Holmes when they listen carefully enough to the music notes that define the show as a real mystery.
“Young Sherlock” is the perfect rainy day watch for any mystery lover or thrill seeker who finds themselves stuck inside this spring. The humor and plot twists will be even more enjoyable for those stuck inside with a friend.
