"Enola Holmes" Review
  • Acting
  • Plot
  • Directing
  • Costume/Setting
5

Summary

The acting, plot, directing and costumes of “Enola Holmes” set it apart from other movies. It combines mystery, a coming of age story, and a hint of romance to create a charming, fast-paced, lighthearted movie that anyone can enjoy. Millie Bobby Brown’s performance and her ability to successfully “break the fourth wall” really stands out in the movie. “Enola Holmes” gets five out of five stars. 

Netflix’s latest hit, “Enola Holmes,” has it all: mystery, action, romance and plenty of suspense. The movie is a delightfully charming, coming of age mystery about a young girl, Enola, and her search for her missing mother. The movie is based off of Nancy Springer’s book, “Enola Holmes.” It was released September 23, and quickly rose to number two on Netflix’s top ten charts after only one day. 

The movie follows Enola, played by Millie Bobby Brown, and her action-packed journey to find her missing mother, evade her controlling brother and save the life of a new friend. Following in her more famous older brother Sherlock Holmes’ footsteps, Enola uses her intelligence and detective skills to solve the mystery of her mother and the disappearance of young Lord Tewksbury. “Enola Holmes” is set during a period of political unrest and major changes for women in society, which affects both Enola as a woman and the fate of Tewksbury, her new friend. The movie is ultimately a mystery, but it masterfully combines the overarching investigation with Enola’s own struggle to discover her purpose and identity. Throughout the story, she uncovers truths about those around her and herself. 

Mille Bobby Brown stars as Enola in the film, and her performance is absolutely wonderful. She does a perfect job of playing the likeable, intelligent and independent sixteen year old girl. Brown is known for her role as Eleven in “Stranger Things,” and her career will heighten from her performance in “Enola Holmes.” 

Other well-known actors in the movie include Henry Cavil as Sherlock Holmes, Louis Partridge as Lord Viscount Tewksbury, Sam Claflin as Mycroft Holmes and Helena Bonham Carter as Eudoria Holmes. All of the acting was great, but Brown really stood out with her performance. 

The directing of the movie was also superb. Director Harry Bradbeer really engages the audience with short breaks in the plot for Enola to break the fourth wall and speak directly to viewers. It may seem like an awkward and risky maneuver, but it really works for “Enola Holmes” and makes the movie more fun and entertaining.

The setting and costumes were another excellent aspect of the movie. The movie is set in 19th century England, and the costumes certainly set the scene for the movie. Everything is vibrant and colorful, from the dresses Enola wears, though she spends much of the movie hiding in boys clothes, to the streets of the city. The costumes and setting set the scene for the charming mystery and really complete the feel of the movie.