Enola Holmes - Film Review

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Released in 2020 on Netflix, Enola Holmes is an adventure-mystery film based on the first book The Case of the Missing Marquess in the young adult series The Enola Holmes Mysteries by Nancy Springer. Directed by Harry Bradbeer and written by Jack Thorne, the film introduces audiences to Enola Holmes, the teenage sister of the famous detective Sherlock Holmes. Starring Millie Bobby Brown in the titular role, alongside Henry Cavill as Sherlock, Helena Bonham Carter as Eudoria Holmes, and Sam Claflin as Mycroft Holmes, the movie merges elements of Victorian England, detective storytelling, and a coming-of-age narrative. Enola Holmes not only delivers an engaging mystery but also explores themes of independence, family, and societal expectations.

The film opens with Enola Holmes (Bobby Brown) narrating her story, immediately drawing viewers into her world. Enola lives with her eccentric mother, Eudoria, in a countryside estate. Unlike a typical Victorian girl, Enola’s education involves reading literature, mastering chess, and practicing self-defence rather than focusing on etiquette and needlework. On her 16th birthday, Enola wakes to find that her mother has vanished, leaving only cryptic clues in the form of puzzles, books, and flowers.



Left alone, Enola summons her two older brothers-Mycroft (Sam Claflin) and Sherlock Holmes (Henry Cavill)-who have been largely absent from her life. Mycroft, the more conservative of the two, is exasperated by Enola’s unconventional upbringing. He insists she be sent to a finishing school to learn how to become a “proper” lady. Sherlock, though far more empathetic, remains emotionally detached. Enola, realizing that neither brother will help her uncover the truth about their mother’s disappearance, decides to run away and investigate the mystery herself.

Enola dons a disguise and escapes to London, beginning a journey filled with intrigue, danger, and self-discovery. On the train to the city, she encounters Viscount Tewkesbury (Louis Partridge), a young aristocrat on the run from his own family. Despite her initial reluctance to get involved, Enola saves Tewkesbury from a mysterious assassin and finds herself drawn into a second mystery—the reason behind the attempts on his life. As Enola navigates London’s streets and encounters allies and enemies, she learns more about her mother’s involvement in a secret feminist movement and discovers her own potential as a detective.

Enola Holmes - Millie Bobby Brown delivers a charismatic performance as Enola, bringing wit, energy, and emotional depth to the character. Enola is not a typical Victorian heroine. Raised by a free-spirited mother, she possesses a sharp mind and fierce independence but also grapples with loneliness and the desire for familial connection. Throughout the film, Enola learns to trust her instincts, making mistakes along the way but ultimately embracing her identity. The movie’s narrative frequently breaks the fourth wall, with Enola addressing the audience directly—an engaging device that underscores her cleverness and vulnerability.

Enola’s character arc revolves around self-empowerment. Initially defined by her relationships with her family, especially her famous brother Sherlock, Enola gradually learns to forge her own path. Her journey is not just about solving the mystery of her mother’s disappearance but also about finding her place in the world as a young woman resisting societal constraints.

Sherlock Holmes - Henry Cavill’s portrayal of Sherlock offers a fresh, warmer take on the legendary detective. Unlike traditional portrayals that depict Sherlock as aloof and emotionally detached, Cavill’s version is more compassionate. Though initially distant, Sherlock gradually comes to admire Enola’s intelligence and spirit, leading to a subtle shift in their relationship by the film’s end. However, he remains bound by the gender norms of the period, showing both respect for Enola’s abilities and a lingering discomfort with her rebellion against societal expectations.

Mycroft Holmes - Sam Claflin’s Mycroft represents the oppressive societal norms that Enola seeks to escape. As Enola’s legal guardian, Mycroft embodies Victorian ideals of propriety, seeking to control Enola’s future by sending her to finishing school. His character serves as a foil to both Enola and Sherlock, emphasizing the tension between tradition and progress. Mycroft’s role also highlights the challenges women of the time faced, as even well-meaning family members could be obstacles to their independence.

Eudoria Holmes - Helena Bonham Carter’s portrayal of Eudoria is enigmatic and unconventional. Although Eudoria’s screen time is limited, her presence looms large throughout the film. A feminist activist and intellectual, she deliberately raises Enola to challenge societal norms. Eudoria’s disappearance serves as both a narrative mystery and a catalyst for Enola’s journey, encouraging her daughter to think for herself and become a force of change.

Viscount Tewkesbury - Tewkesbury (Louis Partridge) adds a romantic subplot to the film, though it is understated and secondary to Enola’s personal growth. As a runaway aristocrat, Tewkesbury is also rebelling against the expectations placed upon him. His relationship with Enola challenges gender stereotypes, as he often relies on her intelligence and courage to survive. Their dynamic, built on mutual respect and affection, suggests a partnership based on equality—an idea ahead of its time in the film’s Victorian setting.

At its core, Enola Holmes is a story about female empowerment. Enola’s journey symbolizes the struggle for autonomy in a world that seeks to confine women to specific roles. Her resistance to Mycroft’s attempts to control her future mirrors broader feminist movements, as does Eudoria’s involvement in a secret society fighting for women’s rights. The film’s message is clear: intelligence, bravery, and independence are not restricted by gender.

The movie also emphasizes the importance of individuality. Both Enola and Tewkesbury reject societal expectations in pursuit of their own paths. Enola’s refusal to conform to traditional femininity is not framed as a rejection of femininity itself but rather as a call for personal choice. The film suggests that true empowerment comes from defining oneself on one’s own terms.

Family relationships play a significant role in the narrative. Enola’s complicated relationship with her brothers reflects her struggle to reconcile her love for them with her need for independence. Similarly, her quest to find her mother is not just a physical search but also an emotional journey to understand her place within her family. Ultimately, Enola learns that she must create her own sense of belonging rather than relying on others to define it for her.

Like her brother Sherlock, Enola possesses keen observational skills, but she must learn how to use them effectively. The film highlights the value of education and critical thinking, showing how Enola’s unconventional upbringing equips her to navigate a complex world. Her ability to solve puzzles and think strategically reflects the power of knowledge in overcoming societal obstacles.

Director Harry Bradbeer brings a lively energy to the film, blending elements of mystery, adventure, and comedy. The decision to have Enola frequently break the fourth wall creates a sense of intimacy between the character and the audience, making her journey feel personal and immediate. The film’s pacing is brisk, balancing action sequences with moments of introspection.

The cinematography captures the contrast between the idyllic countryside and the bustling streets of London, emphasizing the shift in Enola’s world as she steps out of her sheltered life. Vibrant colours and detailed costumes evoke the richness of the Victorian setting, while Daniel Pemberton’s musical score complements the film’s playful yet suspenseful tone.

Upon its release, Enola Holmes received generally positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. Millie Bobby Brown’s performance was widely praised, as was the film’s fresh take on the Sherlock Holmes mythos. Some critics, however, felt that the feminist themes were too on-the-nose or that the plot lacked depth compared to more traditional detective stories. Nonetheless, the film’s charm, strong performances, and engaging narrative helped it become a hit on Netflix, leading to a sequel released in 2022.

The success of Enola Holmes has had a lasting impact, inspiring further adaptations of female-centred stories and contributing to the ongoing conversation about representation in media. It offers a modern, inclusive take on a beloved literary universe, demonstrating that stories about empowerment and self-discovery can resonate with audiences of all ages.

Enola Holmes is more than just a detective story; it is a celebration of individuality, courage, and the pursuit of truth. By blending mystery with themes of personal growth and social change, the film offers a fresh perspective on the world of Sherlock Holmes. Millie Bobby Brown’s captivating performance, combined with sharp direction and a vibrant setting, makes Enola Holmes an engaging and thought-provoking adventure. Whether viewed as a coming-of-age story or a feminist reimagining of a classic genre, the film leaves a lasting impression and paves the way for future stories about young women finding their voices in a changing world.

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