Enola Holmes: A Mystery For the Whole Family

By: Bree Maciel

Released on Netflix September 23, Enola Holmes is a film based off of the book The Enola Holmes Mysteries: The Case of the Missing Marquess by Nancy Springer. Starring Millie Bobby Brown and directed by Henry Bradbeer, this fantastic film depicts the wild and unruly teenage sister of the famous Sherlock Holmes. It is a tale of mystery and excitement and is a source of entertainment for all ages.

Enola Holmes (Millie Bobby Brown) is the younger sister of the famous Holmes brothers Sherlock (Henry Cavill) and Mycroft (Sam Claflin). Raised by her mother, Eudoria Holmes (Helena Bonham Carter), Enola grew up learning many skills, from reading and chess to jiu jitsu and archery. On her sixteenth birthday, Enola wakes up to discover her mother has left her; with no trace as to where she has gone or when she is coming back. In light of her mother's disappearance Enola calls to her older brothers for help. However, when it comes down to deciding what is best for her, Enola and her elder brother, Mycroft, disagree. She decides to take matters into her own hands and search for her mother herself.

Enola creates the perfect plan and runs away. However, things don’t exactly go to plan when she runs into the young Tewkesbury (Louis Partridge). Wrapped up in espionage and the potential murder of young lord, Enola finds herself putting the search for her mother on hold to solve the mystery and plot surrounding her newfound friend Tewkesbury. With exciting adventures, a few brushes with death, and daring escapes ahead, will Enola be able to solve the two mysteries before her brothers catch her?

One of my favorite elements in the film is how Enola (Millie Bobby Brown) breaks the fourth wall throughout the movie. While this element is not often used in films, it is a special element of this movie that helps to draw the audience into Enola’s mind. It allows the audience to almost live the story with Enola and gives the film a more book-like feel. I also enjoyed the transitions being sort of a scrap-book pieced together as Enola explains things. It helps create the light-hearted tone of the movie.

Millie Bobby Brown’s performance as Enola is captivating. She makes Enola into a lovable and relatable character, while showing her strength as an independent woman. She plays the smart and witty nature of Enola and gives a beautiful representation of a young woman making her way in the world. She and the other fantastic actors in the film create a wonderful and engaging story. While in general being a light-hearted film, Enola Holmes also touches on subjects such as the women's suffrage movement and feminism.

Overall, from the upbeat music to the fun engaging story, Enola Holmes is recommended for all ages. It portrays a strong female lead and shows the audience that it is okay to take your own path in life and not be hindered by the way others think you should act. My favorite line from the film is the last line, when Enola says, “My life is my own. And the future is up to us.” Watch this amazing film on Netflix! You won’t regret it!

Enola Holmes General Information

Main Cast: Millie Bobby Brown, Henry Cavill, Sam Clafin, Helena Bonham Carter, Louis Partridge, Burn Gorman, Adeel Akhtar, Susan Wokoma, Fences de la Tour, Fiona Shaw

Produced by: Mary Parent, Alex Garcia, Ali Mendes, Millie Bobby Brown, Paige Brown

Screenplay by: Jack Thorne

Music by: Daniel Pemberton

Cinematography: Giles Nuttgens

Edited by: Adam Bosman

Production companies:

Legendary Pictures

PCMA Productions

Distributed by: Netflix

Release date: September 23, 2020

Running time: 123 minutes

Country: United States

Language: English