‘Enola Holmes’ Review – A Young Detective Finds Her Purpose
Millie Bobby Brown has left Hawkins and landed in late 19th England for a great adventure. Check out our Enola Holmes review.
Sherlock and Mycroft’s teen sister wakes up to discover her mother is missing. After some setbacks caused by social norms, she sets off to find her and discovers a dangerous conspiracy. She proves to be a talented detective that has the ability to outwit her famous brother.
The movie is based on the YA novel of the same name by Nancy Springer – it’s a series, so I hope we’ll be getting more. It stars Millie Bobby Brown, Sam Claflin, Henry Cavill, and Helena Bonham-Carter; and is directed by Harry Bradbeer (Fleabag).
Enola Holmes Review
I grew up with Anne of Green Gables and From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, and this feels like those classics. I also can’t help but compare it to 1985’s Young Sherlock Holmes, which had a bunch of hijinks that only young folk can get into. It’s a great mix of influences and it brings some real history into its story, which has real stakes. I can’t say much more without ruining the mystery.
Enola is smart, determined, capable, and daring. She’s a character that kids who don’t quite fit in can relate to. Millie Bobby Brown is perfect for the role. She brings a bit of a modern edge and humor to the movie. The cast that surrounds her is also wonderful. You’ll want to punch Sam Claflin’s Mycroft at least a few times for being perfectly insufferable.
Henry Cavill, Millie Bobby Brown, and Sam Claflin via Netflix
Enola Holmes has some design choices that may annoy some. It breaks the fourth wall constantly and uses scrapbook-style animations to move the story along. It is a little predictable, but it’s based on young adult fiction and made with a young audience in mind. It’s not The Name of the Rose nor should it be.
Should You Watch It?
If you’re a Potterverse fan or a Mockingjay fan, this is right up your alley. It’s a fun watch for tweens to adults, and for family movie night while we’re all stuck at home. It does have some violence and blood so it’s not for little kids – check out the Common Sense Media review if you want more details.
Enola Holmes is on Netflix now.
