Lola Franco
Netflix’s original movie, Enola Holmes, premiered on September 23, filling home screens with a story of adventure, mystery, and activism that is worth the watch. This movie is based off a series of YA novels by Nancy Springer and gives viewers a new look into the classic world of Sherlock Holmes mysteries as the renowned detective’s younger sister takes center stage.
This story starts in the year 1900, when Enola Holmes, played by the young actress Millie Bobby Brown (of Stranger Things fame) awakens on her 16th birthday to discover that her mother has disappeared. She is left in the care of her brothers, Mycroft, played by Sam Claflin and Sherlock, played by Henry Cavill. Mycroft wants to send her to finishing school to learn to be a proper lady for society but Enola refuses and runs away, so her brothers can’t control her freedom. She discovers the clues that her mother left her and travels to London in search of her.
In London she encounters Lord Tewkesbury, played by Louis Partridge. Tewkesbury is escaping his family to gain control of his life while being pursued by a mysterious man who is out to kill him. She ends up helping Tewkesbury escape his assassin and solve the mystery as to why he is being targeted.
The young sleuth’s determination, stubbornness, and wit provides viewers with a character that is fun to watch. In addition, it allows Brown to showcase a more joyous lead compared to her work in Stranger Things. This new character displays her potential as an actor.
Along with Brown’s phenomenal acting skills, the movie immerses us into the story with Enola’s tendency to break the fourth wall. She addresses the audience in a way that makes us feel as if we are on the adventure with her.
Throughout Enola’s journey, she is discovering who she is as a person. It intertwines her self-discovery with broader themes of gender equality, family, and politics. It holds a balance between the seriousness of the time period while remaining lighthearted and fun.
The theme of gender-equality remains central as the movie has many instances of women teaching and supporting each other. In the movie England is on the edge of change with an upcoming decision in the House of Lords for the expansion of voting rights to include women. It draws on real struggles from the time and this theme slowly connects with the bigger plot. Through those actions, it sends the message that anyone can be anything and do everything.
Overall, this movie is worth the watch. It gives a new twist on the Holmes legacy and provides a fun way to escape our current reality. There have been rumors for a sequel in the future giving us hope that we will see this sensational sleuth once more.
