Portraying a classic character of literature like Sherlock Holmes needs sincerity, dedication, and accurately detailed observation. Recently, we saw a modernized version of Sherlock Holmes portrayed by Henry Cavill in Enola Holmes films. From being Geralt of Rivia to essaying the role of Superman, this English actor knows how to justify the character he is going to portray. This time, we look at the reasons Henry Cavill’s portrayal of the detective living in 221b Baker Street is the perfect projection.

Benedict Cumberbatch and Robert Downey Jr. have also portrayed Sherlock Holmes in the past. While the demands for the portrayal differed from then, Henry Cavill still nailed his version of Sherlock. While the film revolves around the central character, Enola Holmes portrayed by Millie Bobby Brown, Sherlock cannot be sidelined. However, his version of the character is a bit modernized. That, in fact, makes the portrayal harder than one thinks. Did Superman star catch the vital characteristics of the classic character?

Did Henry Cavill keep the essence of the character?

Sherlock Holmes is not an ordinary character in literature. He has many distinctive qualities that make him the way he is. To justify the portrayal of the character, the actor must catch these vital qualities of Sherlock. The very first quality is stoicism. Sherlock is a serious character who is away from emotions. Even when something affects him, he prefers to stay cold and distant.

The Man of Steel actor accurately catches this essence of the character and knows how to play the character who doesn’t showcase his inner emotions to the surrounding people. The second quality that his analytical nature and his intelligence. Sherlock is a well-known detective and stays true to himself. Even though the film has featured Enola Holmes as more intelligent, Cavill’s Sherlock perfectly captures the intelligence of the character. Because the character is intelligent, he pays attention to the details. His curious nature makes him the way he is.

Among many other things, Sherlock Holmes is very arrogant. He thinks he knows it all and everyone just agrees with him. However, Cavill’s version is a little different from the original one. Despite his visible arrogance, he is not as rude to people as the original Sherlock and instead, is confident, yet distant and unbothered. Sherlock’s solitude is everything to him which the Man of Steel actor has accurately sustained until the end.

Although in other versions of Sherlock, he has Watson and Mycroft, in Enola Holmes, he is alone. However, in the sequel, his bond with his sister, Enola Holmes, seems to get a little stronger. In Enola Holmes, towards the end of the film, we see Sherlock craving for company.

Is this Sherlock emotionally immature?

In BBC’s Sherlock Holmes, Benedict Cumberbatch repeatedly says, “I am not a psychopath. I am a high-functioning sociopath.” Thus, if he is intelligent, doesn’t necessarily mean he is an emotional being. He doesn’t know empathy and therefore, he never understands others’ emotions. Well, in Enola Holmes films, we see Cavill’s Sherlock trying to console Enola. But he doesn’t really know how to do it and what to say.

Sherlock Holmes has obsessive tendencies. He can’t rest until he finds the truth. Solving mysteries means finding the truth. And he doesn’t stop until he reaches there. In the film’s sequel, we see this side of Sherlock more closely. His obsessive nature is visible when he keeps on looking at the board while trying to make sense of the clues. Until the end, we see him restless to get to the bottom of things.

And the last but not least thing about Sherlock is his softer side. Up until now, we have seen no adaptation that focuses on this side of the character. We have seen a rude, arrogant, and emotionless detective, but in reality, Sherlock just keeps his emotions very well-guarded. In Enola Holmes, we saw Cavill showcasing a gentle and protective approach toward his little sister. Dressed as an arrogant detective, we see much of his vulnerable side in the film.

And these are all the qualities that Cavill put in his version of the great Sherlock Holmes. Have you watched the film yet? If not, we highly recommend you stream them. What did you like the most about Cavill’s portrayal of Sherlock Holmes?