This is the first I've heard of the The Enola Holmes Mysteries series by Nancy Springer upon which this mystery flick is based. Somehow I missed this film when it was released in 2020 but thankfully, I saw the recently released sequel and knew I must watch this one first before I delve into the sequel.
I am a fan of murder mysteries especially Bristish ones. There's a class to it and what's more, this film is focused on the old times, as far back as the 18th century. Also, the sight of the young Millie Bobby Brown, Henry Cavill, and Helena Bonham Carter on the poster caught my attention!
Enola Holmes (2020) is a mystery that focuses on a sixteen year girl named Enola, the young sister of the popular detective, Sherlock Holmes. The film begins when the teenage girl discovers her mother had gone away and no one knew where.
Enola's two brothers: Mycroft and Sherlock Holmes come home to solve the mystery and send her to a finishing school. But Enola had her own plans of finding her mother. She runs away from home following the series of cryptic clues her mother left behind.
While on a train ride, she meets a young viscount who is on the run from his family. They become friends but decide to go their separate ways. When Enola discovers her mother is part of a radical group and fighting against the Reform Bill, she sees the connection to the viscount and goes in search of him. Will she be able to save the young viscount and find her mother also?
Review
If there is one part of this film that thrills me more, it is that the great Sherlock Holmes is outsmarted by his sister in resolving the mysteries! Well, it is allowed so that young Enola can shine. I thoroughly enjoyed this film mostly due to the impressive performance of Millie Bobby Brown.
She performed the role of Enola excellently. I enjoyed the quick-wit, tricks, remarkable expressions of mischievousness and the fourth wall pep talk. She sold the act of possessing a clever mind with the ability to become a great detective like her brother, Sherlock very well. I believe viewers are enthralled and want to see more of Enola in action, hence the release of the sequel.
The screenplay is well written, the performance well executed along with the cinematography which is stunning due the amazing landscapes in England. The scenes of Miss Harrison finishing school and her infatuation with Mycroft were very funny.
The chemistry of the cast is smooth and not disappointing. I love the romance tease between Enola and the viscount and hope to see it bloom in the sequel.
The supporting cast: Henry Cavill, Sam Claflin, Helena Bonham Carter and Louis Partridge play all of their parts beautifully making this film a classic, in my opinion.
I like that this film is not wholly about solving mystery like the typical Sherlock Holmes flicks but rather about a teenage girl leaving the comfort of her home to find out who she is. So I can understand if some adults, especially men, do not like this movie but with an open mind, you'll certainly enjoy it.
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Other images are screenshots from the movie