Film: Enola Holmes
Release Date: 23rd September 2020
Director: Harry Bradbeer
Based On: Nancy Springer's
Genre(s): Adventure, Crime, Drama
Rating: PG-12 (Violence)
Millie Bobby Brown, Millie Bobby Brown, Millie Bobby Brown... what more is there to say? Just watch this film. A review isn't required. Just go and watch this film.
Okay fine, if you insist!
Enola Holmes was released on 23rd September 2020 on Netflix, and stars Millie Bobby Brown who plays the younger sister of Sherlock and Mycroft Holmes: Enola Holmes. Directed by Harry Bradbeer and screenplay written by Jack Thorne, Enola Holmes was based on Nancy Springer's books The Enola Holmes Mysteries.
Enola wakes on her sixteenth birthday to find that her mother (Helena Bonham Carter) is missing. Because of her mother's sudden disappearance, Enola finds herself under the care of her brothers, Sherlock (Henry Cavill) and Mycroft Holmes (Sam Clafin). However, after Enola's free-spirited childhood, her brothers decide that she is to be sent to a finishing school to be taught how to be a 'proper' woman. Enola disagrees, and instead runs away from home to find her mother. Yet, when she meets the Lord Viscount Tewksbury (Louis Partridge) along the way, she finds herself conflicted.
I must begin with the absolutely perfect choice of casting Millie Bobby Brown as Enola Holmes. Enola is a strong, brave, intelligent woman who doesn't allow anyone to make decisions for her. Brown's performance is incredible, she brings individuality and creativity to the role, which in my opinion, cannot be improved upon. The facial expressions, acting skill and general performance are all outstanding. Enola Holmes is the first I've seen of Brown's acting, despite her perhaps most famous role as Eleven in Stranger Things, yet I was immediately blown way by her performance.
The supporting cast with Louis Partridge as Lord Tewksbury, Fiona Shaw as Miss Harrison, Burn Gorman as Linthorn as of course Helena Bonham Carter as Enola's mother were all fantastic. Cavill's version of Sherlock Holmes was also a fresh twist to Arthur Conan Doyle's character. Unlike Benedict Cumberbatch or Robert Downey Jr.'s Sherlocks, Cavill's is more sympathetic and emotionally attached to his sister. Although, there was little of Sherlock himself, because as expected, the focus was on the protagonist Enola Holmes.
Set in England 1884, the set-design, costumes and make-up was brilliant. Likewise, the incredible soundtrack fit well with the pace and action of the film. There were some darker shots and scenes of violence, yet really, I just admired the action and combat skills of the actors and stunt performers.
I thoroughly enjoyed this film, yet there were a couple of elements that I disliked. For one, Enola frequently looked to the camera and broke the fourth wall, and while I enjoyed this at first, it was unnecessary to the plot as it never confirms whom she is talking to. Secondly, while I partly enjoyed the twist of Doyle's characterisation, some characters seemed out of place. For example, Adeel Akhtar's Lestrade, because while Lestrade is typically a competent police officer, this one was more villainous and cunning.
I enjoyed Jack Thorne's screenplay which was humorous and brought a perfect protagonist to life. If you're looking to watch an adventurous film which is full of mystery, humour and strong women - this one is for you!
Enola Holmes is now available on Netflix. Have you watched this film? What did you think of it?
Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with or endorsed by any companies mentioned in this blog post.
Take care,
