Enola Holmes is a 2020 mystery film that focuses on Sherlock Holmes’ teenage sister Enola who goes on a journey to solve a case.
Based on the book series written by Nancy Springer, it focuses on the titular character Enola (Millie Bobby Brown) who is the teenage sister of the famous and brilliant detective known as Sherlock Holmes (Henry Cavill), but they have not seen each other for a very long time. After she finds out that her mother Eudoria (Helena Bonham Carter) has been missing, she now goes on an adventure to prove she has what it takes to solve this mystery and outsmart her brother.
To start off, Millie Bobby Brown is absolutely wonderful as Enola! She’s really good in the role, which makes her very likeable from beginning to end. You’re rooting for her to solve her case, and the filmmakers find interesting ways to develop her personality and skills as the movie goes on. She tends to break the fourth wall a lot, which will either intrigue or irritate you. The supporting actors such as Louis Partridge, Susie Wokoma, Fiona Shaw and Sam Claflin are great as well, and they all add something to Enola’s characterization, which showcases her evolution as a person. While they don’t have a lot of screen time, they are still important for the overall narrative.
One thing to keep in mind is that Enola Holmes is not about Sherlock Holmes. He’s in it, but he’s not the main focus of the story. This is Enola’s adventure, and it’s crucial to know that. It has the thrilling detective aspect that you want to see in a film like this, and you also get some clever and witty dialogue from screenwriter Jack Thorne. With a runtime of 2 hours, it does feel long at times, but luckily it doesn’t compromise the flow of the narrative. You are invested in her journey so you’re able to let go of its pacing issues sometimes.
Enola Holmes is on the right track to be a start of a new franchise. With a likeable protagonist and witty script, it’s a really entertaining and clever flick that both casual moviegoers and fans of the book will have a great time watching. Even if you haven’t read the novel, it still completely stands on its own. It’s a fun adventure that the whole family will be sure to enjoy!