Mr. Holmes – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Mr. Holmes

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2015

64%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Ian McKellen plays a 93-year-old Sherlock battling dementia—beautiful, melancholic, and way too slow for most kids under 12.

88%

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Mr. Holmes

movie

PG, 2015

64%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Ian McKellen plays a 93-year-old Sherlock battling dementia—beautiful, melancholic, and way too slow for most kids under 12.

88%

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Screenwise Verdict

Mr. Holmes is a beautifully crafted, emotionally intelligent film that treats the legendary detective as a flawed, aging human rather than a superhero. McKellen is phenomenal, the themes are rich, and the moral center is solid.

But let's be real: this movie is glacially paced and melancholic as hell. Most kids under 12 will be checking their phones within 20 minutes. Even at 11-12, you need a kid who can sit through slow, contemplative drama and process themes of suicide, dementia, and regret.

The 88% Rotten Tomatoes score reflects critical appreciation, but that 70% audience score and 6.8 IMDb rating tell the real story—this is a niche film that rewards patience but doesn't offer much entertainment value for younger viewers. If you've got a thoughtful teen or you're looking for a family film for older kids that sparks real conversation, this could work. Otherwise, there are far more engaging ways to spend 104 minutes.

Age Fit

Best for ages 11-12 and up who can handle mature themes and slow pacing. Younger kids will be bored; sensitive kids may be upset by the suicide and death themes. Honestly, this plays best for thoughtful teens and adults who appreciate character-driven drama over plot.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

A contemplative, character-driven drama that emphasizes forgiveness, compassion, and the value of memory. The relationship between the aging Holmes and young Roger models intergenerational friendship and kindness. However, the film deals with heavy themes including death, suicide, dementia, and wartime trauma that require emotional maturity. The pacing is slow and deliberate, which suits the reflective tone but may test younger viewers' patience.

Imaginative

Takes a creative angle on the Sherlock Holmes mythos by exploring the detective in his 90s, grappling with memory loss. The non-linear storytelling weaves flashbacks with present-day scenes, creating a puzzle-box narrative structure. However, this is primarily a meditative character study rather than an inventive mystery—it's more about reflection than deduction. Beautiful cinematography and period design offer visual richness, but the slow pace and contemplative nature don't particularly spark curiosity or creative engagement in younger viewers.

Safe

Rated PG with minimal violence, profanity, or sexual content (Kids-In-Mind gives it 1.3.1—very low intensity). However, multiple parent guides flag mature content that pushes it toward ages 11-12+: a suicide scene, references to miscarriages, a dangerous animal attack, war casualties, and disturbing imagery of bombed Hiroshima. The suicide and dementia themes could be distressing for younger or more sensitive children without proper context. Not graphic, but emotionally heavy.

Enriching

Offers thoughtful exploration of aging, memory, regret, and moral complexity. McKellen's nuanced performance invites discussions about empathy, the fallibility of memory, and what makes a life meaningful. The film's moral worldview emphasizes forgiveness and human connection over pure logic. However, the enrichment requires patience and emotional sophistication—this isn't entertainment that teaches while it delights; it's a slow-burn drama that rewards reflection. Critics praise its beauty and depth, but many note it will lose younger viewers' interest.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Ian McKellen delivers a masterclass performance as an aging, vulnerable Holmes—far from the sharp detective of legend
Explores meaningful themes of memory, regret, forgiveness, and what gives life meaning in our final years
Gorgeous cinematography and period design create a visually rich, contemplative atmosphere
The friendship between elderly Holmes and young Roger models intergenerational kindness and patience
A refreshing, humanizing take on Sherlock Holmes that prioritizes emotion over mystery-solving

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What to Watch For

A suicide scene and references to miscarriages, war deaths, and Hiroshima bombing—emotionally heavy content
Very slow, deliberate pacing that will test the patience of viewers under 12 (and honestly, many adults)
Themes of dementia and aging may be confusing or distressing for younger children without context
This is a quiet, melancholic drama—not an action-packed Sherlock mystery

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think Holmes feels so guilty about that final case? What would you have done differently?"
"How does losing your memory change who you are? What memories would you never want to forget?"
"Roger helps Holmes even though Holmes can be grumpy and difficult. Why is it important to be patient with people who are struggling?"
"The movie shows how Holmes valued logic over emotion his whole life. Do you think he regrets that? What's the right balance?"

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