Sherlock Holmes is drawn into the case of Jack the Ripper who is killing prostitutes in London's East End. Assisted by Dr. Watson, and using information provided by a renowned psychic, Robert Lees, Holmes finds that the murders may have their roots in a Royal indiscretion and that a cover-up is being managed by politicians at the highest level, all of whom happen to be Masons. Homes races to save the life of Annie Crook who has been forcibly incarcerated in an insane asylum and that of her friend Mary Kelly, to whom she has entrusted her secret. I thoroughly enjoyed this mystery thriller that places the greatest detective against one of the most horrific unsolved killers of all time. It does beg the question had Sherlock Holmes been a real person, would he have put a stop to the most terrifying serial killer of the Victorian Era, Jack the Ripper? For those fascinated by the history of the Ripper and who are also fans of Holmes, this movie was practically made for you. Although this film is complete fiction, acting as a sort of fanfic idea, it does take some elements from reality with some attention to key details. Jack the Ripper was never caught nor was his identity ever revealed leaving his identity as one of the unsolved cases that are still debated to this day. The narrative of the film explores the who, how and why in this fictional account of the Ripper and his crimes, in an exciting, suspenseful and nail-biting dive into Victorian London. The story focuses on the idea of the killer having friends in high places and that their work is being covered up to hide the truth behind a secret that deems troublesome to those of royalty. This secret belongs to Annie Crook whom bestows it upon Mary Kelly (real-life victim of the Ripper) who later shares the nature of the secret with others who are then marked by the serial killer too. Each one is taken and gruesomely killed with some truly disturbing imagery shown but mostly inferred. We, the audience, are not privy to all the dreadful attacks, mainly seeing bodies from a certain angle allowing our minds to picture the rest. At times, we do see or hear these attacks in their full spine-chilling effects making for difficult viewing, especially for the faint of heart. I won't spoil the Ripper's identity reveal here but I can tell you it is undoubtedly a shocking one, even for Mr Holmes and Dr. Watson. My favourite aspect of this eventful tale has to be the characters/actors. Some actors bring a much-needed breath of fresh air to some long-established characters, like the phenomenal Christopher Plummer as Sherlock Holmes and James Mason as Dr. Watson. Most modern and later depictions of the legendary Holmes have him more brash and unfeeling to others around him, focusing on the task at hand and not much more. Here, he is compassionate and more involved with the people, especially seen through the heart-wrenching scene with Annie Crook, where Holmes cries for her. He cares for others, which is much more on display here than anywhere else and I loved every second of it. Even his friendship with Dr. Watson in later productions has them in a kind of dysfunctional relationship whereas, this film, gives us the Holmes and Watson we want. Their on-screen moments are frankly the highlight of this entire story. The loyalty when one is put in harm's way, the banter they share and overall appearance as being long-time friends are enough to make them feel believable as partners. Alongside the amazing actors is the setting and look of London. Breathtaking to say the least. Seeing the fog-filled streets lit only by the tall standing street lamps on a cold night is magnificent and iconic imagery when associated with Sherlock Holmes. Whilst watching, I didn't feel like I was looking at a set but a real location as if I had travelled back in time and was really living in the year 1888. A marvellous piece of movie magic and how they brought the world to life. Overall, I had a great time in this 'what if' scenario that lept into a dark and mysterious setting filled with heaps of heart-throbbing scenes, like the climactic showdown between the two that leaves you on the edge of your seat. This is worthy viewing for all Sherlock enthusiasts.
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