Millie Bobby Brown Shines In The Charming ‘Enola Holmes’ – A Non-Spoiler Review

Sherlock Holmes and his numerous mysteries have been adapted for the screen since as early as the 1950s. Audiences have been treated to various interpretations of the famed detective, from the gritty, action-packed films by Guy Ritchie to the modern, grounded take of the recent BBC series. With Enola Holmes, Netflix sets up a fresh take on the universe by shifting focus to Sherlock’s younger sister, Enola.

Adapted from the first novel in Nancy Springer’s The Enola Holmes Mysteries, the film sees a young Enola Holmes (Millie Bobby Brown) tracking down her missing mother and unraveling the mystery surrounding a young lord and a key reform bill. Directed by the talented Harry Bradbeer, whose work on Fleabag earned him an Emmy, the film cruises through its 2-hour runtime with a fun sense of humor and pure charm.

As the title character, Brown proves she is more than capable of leading a film and is in fact the best part about it. With excellent comedic timing and commanding confidence, she excels in an incredibly engaging and fun performance. Her charisma and pure talent always keep the film afloat even with an occasionally uneven script. Her frequent fourth-wall breaks are often funny and help the audience connect more with the character. Brown’s style is a perfect fit for Bradbeer’s comedic approach to storytelling.

The supporting cast is also top-notch, particularly Henry Cavill as the iconic Sherlock himself. He does a good job of standing out among the crowded field of past Sherlock actors. The charm and warmth he brings to the role is quite refreshing. The film does a good job of breaking down the “emotionless” trait of Sherlock and showing the genuine care he has for his younger sister. It is fun to see Cavill tackle such iconic characters (and get to use his natural accent on screen). Sam Claflin is also well-cast as the strict Mycroft, as is Helena Bonham Carter as their mother Eudoria. The entire cast is charismatic and it would be great to see then return in a possible sequel.

Although the runtime feels a little long at times, the film moves at a nice pace. Some sharp editing keeps scenes flowing nicely and although some dialogue and exposition is a little generic, the script finds a nice balance of humor, heart, and charm. There are some important themes about the progressive movement and feminism that certainly still apply today and a key idea of controlling your own future that is relatable to everyone. It is refreshing to see a take on the Sherlock Holmes universe of characters that branches out and tackles themes relevant to today’s society.

Enola Holmes features an excellent cast, sharp direction, and a fresh script. Following the recent Netflix releases, this is a deservedly fun and easy watch that any fan of the mystery genre will enjoy. With an all-star cast and a solid foundation, Netflix could mine material from this film into a franchise for years to come.

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