Young Sherlock Review: Guy Ritchie's Geezerish Caper Lacks Charisma
Guy Ritchie has returned to the world of Sherlock Holmes with a new eight-part series for Prime Video titled Young Sherlock. The show, based on Andrew Lane's book series, follows a smirking young pickpocket Sherlock Holmes, played by Hero Fiennes Tiffin, as he navigates his first case at Oxford University. However, this latest venture feels less fresh than Ritchie's previous takes on the sleuth, with a loud, brash, and blokey tone that often falls flat.
A Familiar Ritchie Formula
The series is packed with signature Guy Ritchie elements: flippant young men in flat caps shouting "Oi" in slow motion, bare-knuckle brawls set to frantic Irish folk music, and sudden bursts of speed for no apparent reason. There's also plenty of effortful banter between bruisers in tweed trousers and blundering police officers. While female characters contribute to the plot, they are largely excluded from the fun, reinforcing a geezerish vibe that dominates the show.
Set in Oxford, Sherlock is forced by his sensible older brother Mycroft, portrayed by Max Irons, to work as a porter. Despite Mycroft's warnings, Sherlock quickly becomes embroiled in a sprawling, Tintinesque case involving deadly weaponry, ancient manuscripts, international espionage, and long-buried family secrets. The plot introduces a mysterious princess, played by Zine Tseng, who arrives with a pinchable fifth-century scroll, and a group of enigmatic boffins known as The Four Apostles.
Character Dynamics and Performances
Hero Fiennes Tiffin's portrayal of Sherlock Holmes is a point of contention. His performance lacks the charisma expected of the brilliant detective, instead coming across as a self-conscious waiter in a mid-range restaurant. This is exacerbated by his pairing with Dónal Finn, who plays James Moriarty with explosive charisma, overshadowing everyone else on screen. Finn's presence reduces other characters to mere smoking hillocks of moustache, a metaphor for the show's over-the-top style.
Colin Firth delivers a blustery and enjoyable performance as college bigwig Sir Bucephalus Hodge, adding some much-needed levity. Natascha McElhone appears as Sherlock's grief-stricken mother, and Joseph Fiennes takes on the role of Sherlock's ageing father, though his performance is described as humourless and patrician.
Nostalgia vs. Novelty
Ritchie's aesthetic in Young Sherlock is reminiscent of his 2011 film Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, with a faintly steampunk vibe. However, what felt fresh and larksome over a decade ago now seems dated in 2026. The show's energy is near identical to its predecessor, but it lacks the novelty that made earlier works engaging.
Despite its flaws, there are flashes of fun in the Tintinny escapades and the breezy capering that keeps the series from being entirely "pony". The plot twists through shadowy double agents, statement moustaches, and dramatic revelations, though lines like "My name is Esad Kasgarli. I am from Constantinople" may induce eye-rolls.
Final Verdict
Young Sherlock is a mixed bag. It offers moments of hoot-worthy entertainment and charismatic performances from supporting actors like Finn and Firth. However, the lead's lack of charisma and the dated geezerish tone prevent it from reaching the heights of Ritchie's best work. For fans of Guy Ritchie's style, it might provide some diversion, but it's not the groundbreaking take on Sherlock Holmes that viewers might hope for. The series is now available for streaming on Prime Video.
