Manuel Sรฃo Bento
Written on 9/22/2020
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2020 is unquestionably one of the most challenging years movie theaters ever had to face. The still going global pandemic closed down everything, including my favorite place to spend the most wonderful time. Therefore, the already growing streaming services got a huge bump, earning more and more subscribers during this tough phase in our lives. Netflix has been extremely busy releasing brand-new flicks since the beginning of the year, being The Devil All The Time, Iโm Thinking of Ending Things, and Project Power the latest. Some better than others, but Iโm still to find a 2020โs original film from the studio that I genuinely dislike. Is Enola Holmes the first one?
Well, no, far from that. With such a talented cast and high production value, a new take on the classic Sherlock Holmesโ mysteries is certainly welcome, and this is one of my top two compliments. Debutant director Harry Bradbeer and Jack Thorne (His Dark Materials) offer a refreshing twist on the famous detectiveโs stories, not only by focusing on her less popular sister instead but also by delivering a different Sherlock than the one weโre used to seeing. The editing (Adam Bosman), cinematography (Giles Nuttgens), and score (Daniel Pemberton) contribute to quirky, fun, captivating scenes that help the viewer follow Enolaโs assessment of several situations, including her thought process (interpretation of clues, formulating plans), most of the times by breaking the fourth wall.
This last aspect takes me to my other top two praise, Millie Bobby Brown. Sheโs the reason why these sequences work so well. From the moment I first saw her in Stranger Things, I genuinely believed she would be a star. For the past few years, Iโve constantly left in writing that she will break the Oscarsโ record for the youngest actress to ever win a Best Actress award. Millie still has a bit more than five years to achieve that, and sheโs already leading major blockbusters like Godzilla: King of the Monsters. With this Netflix movie, Millie proves once again her versatility (already portrayed completely different characters in distinct genres), emotional range (effortlessly delivers any type of scene), and mature acting (rarely overacts or doesnโt offer enough, sheโs always on point).
She incorporates Enola in such a unique manner that I struggle to find a better choice to play this character, who is herself also a standout. Enolaโs arc feels genuinely empowering. It doesnโt feel like a forced political statement nor a narratively illogical decision to develop this character in the way Thorne does. Every enigma she tries to decipher, every plan she needs to create to save someone or something, every choice she makes feels earned and justified. Enola doesnโt let herself be restricted by old societyโs rules of how the world should work. She wants to be herself without having to answer to nobody. It might be a generic message, but itโs transmitted through seamless execution.
Regarding the rest of the cast, Henry Cavill is a major surprise as Sherlock, and I wonโt be shocked if it generates some controversy (update: it did). Itโs a notably different version of the distant, emotionless, overly analytical Sherlock that Robert Downey Jr. and Benedict Cumberbatch interpreted, which I embrace with open arms. I donโt care about rights or origins. A character is what the actor and writer(s) make of it, it doesnโt belong to anyone let alone its โfansโ. Cavill shows a cheekier display than what heโs used to presenting, and Thorne adjusted a couple of specific traits from the classic character. Louis Partridge and Sam Claflin are both excellent as Lord Viscount Tewksbury and Mycroft, respectively. The remaining actors all offer decent performances, but the two standouts are undoubtedly Millie and Cavill.
As for the film itself, I was ready to write โitโs fineโ half an hour before I finished it. Even though it feels unique in several areas, Enola Holmes still follows a pretty generic story, with formulaic plot points and the usual character drama. Sadly, it doesnโt really bring anything new story-wise. It features no surprises, which is not a good attribute for a movie with a central mystery. However, that lack of enthusiasm leads me to a significant issue I didnโt expect to find in the latter half of the film. Its mystery isnโt truly one, and itโs set aside midway through the movie, which is a questionable narrative decision. I donโt remember the last time (if ever) where a film completely discards its main storyline (one that received an entire first act of set up), replacing it with a young-adult romantic endeavor (which is pretty convincing, but not as a main storyline).
Iโm a firm advocate of the trailer-free methodology. Expectations can make or break the viewerโs opinion about a movie, and nowadays, trailers can be deceiving, misleading, and show way too much. I missed everything related to this film, watching it 100% blind. Had I watched Enola Holmesโ official trailer beforehand, Iโd definitely be inclined to the negative side of the divisive line I stand on right now. Its trailer focuses on what most people will expect from the movie: the main mystery surrounding Enolaโs mother disappearance. Considering how the film actually goes, itโs safe to write that its trailer is a bit deceiving.
All in all, Enola Holmes offers a pleasant, refreshing take on a franchise that might have a new future now. Focusing on Sherlock Holmesโ sister, Harry Bradbeer and Jack Thorne deliver a light, fun, entertaining story, packed with action, clues to decipher, and a brilliant cast. Millie Bobby Brown keeps climbing up the stairs of success, demonstrating her versatility, range, and maturity as a young actress. Itโs a matter of time until she becomes one of the most coveted actresses in Hollywood. Her chemistry with Henry Cavill and Louis Partridge is phenomenal, and her fourth wall breaks are fascinating. Technically, Enolaโs thoughts and feelings are perfectly transmitted to the audience through outstanding editing, cinematography, and score. However, story-wise, itโs as generic as it could be, boasting absolutely no surprises, and a central mystery thatโs not quite one. Itโs still a fine Saturday night flick to enjoy with family and friends but be advised: its trailer is a tad misleading, so keep your mind open and expectations grounded.
Rating: B-
Kamurai
Written on 9/26/2020
Really good watch, might watch again, and can recommend.
To absolutely fair, I'm not sure if this will appeal to Sherlock Holmes fans, but does expand the "Sherlock-verse", so make up your own mind.
I love Millie Bobby Brown ("Stranger Things"), and this proves she is quite capable of not only leading a movie, but carrying the entire bloody thing.
Despite what feels almost a lack of contribution from everyone else in the movie, this actually turns out quite good. I do wish she didn't do the fourth wall breaks, it really feels like she's either turning to a documentary crew or suddenly updating instagram. It was a little jarring, and they're clearly referencing Sherlock's "mind palace" techniques displayed in the movies, but with a "twist".
I honestly expected someone to ask her if she's okay, like in "Dora and the Lost City of Gold". It would have been equally acceptable to do narration over her actions in the same, but I understand wanting to do something different.
The only other people that didn't seem to be phoning it in were Burn Gorman who did quite a good antagonist, and Frances de la Tour who managed to elevate "concerned grannie".
Maybe Sam Claflin did the job perfectly and Mycroft is supposed to be that bland and irritating, but Henry Cavill had an air of being relieved that didn't have to have Sherlock doing any real deductions, he just had to stand there and seem mildly intrigued by things.
Overall, there is a good movie here in spite of itself, and the sad part is that it could have been great.
Not sure I'd like this as much if it was without Millie Bobby Brown, who is excellent.
<em>'Enola Holmes'</em> is a good film, even if it does hold issues. The plot isn't one that entertained me that much, the mystery elements are average, though it still has a few moments. The humour is solid, as it just about everything else. I didn't love the constant "fourth wall breaking", but Brown helps make it work to the point it didn't get annoying.
Louis Partridge impresses too. Henry Cavill and Sam Claflin are strong casts to play Sherlock and Mycroft. I liked seeing Burn Gorman and Adeel Akhtar in their respective roles. The cast, as a whole, are enjoyable.
I wouldn't be surprised to see this get multiple sequels, I actually reckon it could turn into a good if unspectacular series - as long as Brown sticks around.
Alunauwie
Written on 9/30/2025
Enola Holmes, adapted from Nancy Springer's novel, offers a refreshing twist on the detective genre by spotlighting Sherlock's lesser-known sister. While not as intellectually intense as classic mysteries, the film shines with engaging storytelling, emotional depth, and important themes like feminism and self-discovery. Millie Bobby Brownโs charismatic performance and the filmโs unique fourth-wall narration keep viewers involved. Though it may not fully satisfy mystery purists, it delivers a light yet meaningful experience filled with action, heart, and purpose.
Read the full review here: (Indonesian version : alunauwie.com) and (English version : uwiepuspita.com)
