Sherlock Holmes (2009)

Last updated:
August 24, 2025

Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes (2009) reinvents Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s legendary detective with a fast-paced, gritty, and stylish Victorian-era thriller. With Robert Downey Jr. as Holmes and Jude Law as Dr. Watson, the film blends classic mystery with action-adventure flair.

Table of Contents

Detailed Summary

Opening: The Capture of Lord Blackwood

The film begins with Holmes and Watson preventing a dark ritual led by Lord Henry Blackwood (Mark Strong). Blackwood is arrested and sentenced to death for practicing black magic and committing a series of murders. Yet, before his execution, he warns Holmes that “death is only the beginning.”

Blackwood’s Return from the Grave

After Blackwood’s hanging, his grave is discovered empty. Rumors spread that he has risen from the dead, terrifying London. The city is gripped by fear as mysterious deaths and apparent supernatural events unfold, all pointing toward Blackwood’s return.

Holmes and Watson’s Investigation

Holmes is intrigued rather than intimidated. While Watson plans to marry Mary Morstan (Kelly Reilly) and move on with his life, he is inevitably pulled back into Holmes’ investigation. Meanwhile, Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams), a resourceful thief and Holmes’ romantic weakness, reappears. She seems to be working under orders from a mysterious employer who remains in the shadows.

The Secret Order

Holmes uncovers that Blackwood is connected to a secret society known as the Temple of the Four Orders, which has members in positions of great political power. Blackwood intends to use fear, ritualistic killings, and supposed supernatural powers to seize control of Britain and ultimately dominate the world.

The Conspiracy Tightens

Holmes and Watson unravel a series of intricate clues: coded messages, alchemical symbols, and hidden laboratories. Every “supernatural” event turns out to have a logical explanation—poisons, elaborate mechanisms, and scientific trickery. Blackwood’s true plan is revealed: to kill members of Parliament during a vote, clearing the way for his takeover.

Movie Ending

The climax unfolds in the unfinished Tower Bridge, still under construction in 1890. Holmes and Watson confront Blackwood as he attempts to complete his ritualistic plan. During the fight, Blackwood becomes entangled in chains and falls to his death, dangling helplessly before finally succumbing.

Holmes then explains how Blackwood’s so-called magic was nothing but science, deception, and calculated illusion. Each “resurrection” and mysterious event had a rational cause, from concealed body switches to chemically induced hallucinations. This scientific breakdown is a classic Holmes moment, reminding the audience that rationality trumps superstition.

The film closes with Holmes discovering more about Irene Adler’s secret employer. He learns that she is working for a mysterious figure known only as Professor Moriarty—setting up the sequel (Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows).

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No. Sherlock Holmes (2009) does not feature any post-credits scenes. The movie ends firmly with Moriarty’s reveal, serving as a natural lead-in to the sequel.

Type of Movie

The film is a mystery-action thriller with strong elements of detective fiction, period drama, and adventure.

Cast

Robert Downey Jr. as Sherlock Holmes
Jude Law as Dr. John Watson
Rachel McAdams as Irene Adler
Mark Strong as Lord Blackwood
Kelly Reilly as Mary Morstan
Eddie Marsan as Inspector Lestrade

Film Music and Composer

The score was composed by Hans Zimmer, who brought a quirky, industrial energy to the soundtrack. Using out-of-tune pianos, banjos, and violins, Zimmer created a soundscape that perfectly matched Holmes’ eccentric and chaotic mind.

Filming Locations

London, England: Major exterior shots, including the Parliament scenes and Tower Bridge climax.
Liverpool Docks: Used for gritty industrial backdrops.
Manchester’s Northern Quarter: Doubled as 19th-century London streets.
These locations added authenticity, grounding the film’s fantastical elements in a recognizably Victorian setting.

Awards and Nominations

Nominated for Academy Awards (Best Art Direction, Best Original Score)
Robert Downey Jr. won the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy
Multiple nominations for production design and costuming.

Behind the Scenes Insights

Robert Downey Jr. studied boxing and martial arts to bring Holmes’ physical combat style (“baritsu”) to life.
Jude Law insisted that Watson not be portrayed as bumbling, but instead as a capable and sharp partner.
The set of the Tower Bridge fight was built in enormous scale to replicate the construction site’s authentic details.
Guy Ritchie encouraged improvisation, especially between Downey and Law, to enhance their chemistry.

Inspirations and References

The movie is loosely based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes stories, though it combines multiple tales rather than adapting a single one. Inspirations include “The Adventure of the Empty House” and “The Sign of the Four.” The villain Blackwood was partly inspired by real-life occultist Aleister Crowley.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

Some deleted scenes showed more interaction between Watson and Mary Morstan.
A longer version of Holmes explaining Blackwood’s tricks was trimmed for pacing.
An alternate introduction for Irene Adler was shot but never used.

Book Adaptations and Differences

Unlike the novels, Holmes here is portrayed as more eccentric, physical, and occasionally reckless. Watson is not the clumsy sidekick often seen in adaptations but rather Holmes’ equal. The addition of large-scale action sequences (like the Tower Bridge fight) is entirely a cinematic flourish absent from Conan Doyle’s original tone.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

Holmes’ bare-knuckle boxing match in a London pit.
The eerie resurrection of Blackwood’s tomb.
Holmes’ deduction of Mary Morstan’s background during dinner.
The climactic Tower Bridge battle.

Iconic Quotes

Holmes: “Data, data, data. I cannot make bricks without clay.”
Watson: “You’re drinking embalming fluid?”
Holmes: “It’s for eye strain.”
Blackwood: “You’d best hope that truth is a stronger ally than it has ever been for you, Holmes.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

The use of “baritsu,” an old martial art referenced by Doyle in The Adventure of the Empty House.
Subtle foreshadowing of Moriarty: his shadowy presence during Adler’s scenes.
Hans Zimmer intentionally detuned instruments to reflect Holmes’ chaotic brilliance.

Trivia

Robert Downey Jr. based Holmes’ quirks partly on his own improvisational style.
Guy Ritchie was initially hesitant to direct until he was convinced by Warner Bros. to make Holmes more action-oriented.
The film grossed over $520 million worldwide.
Blackwood’s execution scene was shot using practical effects with minimal CGI.

Why Watch?

Because it’s Sherlock Holmes like you’ve never seen him before: gritty, witty, and action-packed. It’s a smart blend of deduction, mystery, and explosive Victorian adventure, powered by the electric chemistry between Downey and Law.

Director’s Other Movies

Recommended Films for Fans

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011)
The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (2015)
Se7en (1995)
The Prestige (2006)
Murder on the Orient Express (2017)

Sherlock Holmes (2009)