My family and I binge everything that has to do with Sherlock Holmes. The RDJ films, of course Sherlock on BBC, and we are currently rewatching all the seasons of CBS’ Elementary. Obviously we were eagerly awaiting the release of ENOLA HOLMES on Netflix. Based on the book by Nancy Springer, ENOLA HOLMES tells the story of Sherlock’s much younger sister and the mystery of the missing mother. This is a fast paced adventure the success of which rests squarely on the shoulders of its lead actress, Millie Bobby Brown. (continued below)
Enola Holmes | Film Release Date: Wednesday, September 23 | Directed by Harry Bradbeer | Starring Millie Bobby Brown, Sam Claflin, Adeel Akhtar, Fiona Shaw, Frances de la Tour, Louis Partridge, Burn Gorman, Susan Wokoma with Henry Cavill and Helena Bonham Carter
England, 1884 – a world on the brink of change. On the morning of her 16th birthday, Enola Holmes (Millie Bobby Brown) wakes to find that her mother (Helena Bonham Carter) has disappeared, leaving behind an odd assortment of gifts but no apparent clue as to where she’s gone or why. Enola heads to London in search of her mother, but when her journey finds her entangled in a mystery surrounding a young runaway Lord (Louis Partridge), Enola becomes a super-sleuth in her own right.
(continued) Brown was an excellent choice to play young Enola. She can pull off 16, has immediate star appeal, and has the ability to deliver the rapid fire dialogue while darting in and out of the 4th wall. (Breaking the fourth wall is when the characters acknowledge they are in a movie and interact directly with the audience). If she got paid by the word she will never have to work again. Millie is so fun to watch as she breathes a whimsical yet strong willed character to life. The film is an advocate of female empowerment and Brown balances that perfectly with a clever, witty, humorous delivery.
When Enola wakes to find her mother missing she knows there is more to the story. Her and her mother are the best of friends and share a strong bond. They are seldom apart so the fact that she would up and leave is out of the question. When her brothers Sherlock (Henry Cavill) and Mycroft (Sam Claflin) come back to care for Enola she quickly has to outsmart them, slip away, and solve this mystery on her own.
As a fan of the character Sherlock I was a tad disappointed that he didn’t make a bigger showing in this one. Especially when they took the trouble to attach Henry Cavill to the role. Not utilizing that combo more seemed a missed opportunity. Yes the story is about Enola but there could have been more interaction without downplaying her importance. Not only do we see little of Sherlock but the times he is on screen he comes across very rigid and almost bored. Cavill takes the route of the quiet, inquisitive inspector instead of the boisterous, in your face version we see in more modern renditions. His approach is to nod or raise an eye brow as opposed to cutting down those around him with a sharp line and egotistical observation.
The film is suitable for the whole family to watch and it is possible that the quieter Sherlock was a better fit. It could be that he is there just to remind us what world we are in. Take him out of the equation and Enola could just be another smart, tenacious, lass bent on solving a few mysteries and saving the cute young guy she meets along the way. That said I like that she is in the Sherlock universe and can put all the other complaints aside.
So what is Enola’s mother up to? That is the meat of the story. After all is said and done you might still be a little confused as to what exactly took place. The plot is a bit weeble wobbly when it comes to her mom’s intentions. But the journey is enjoyable enough without having everything so tightly knit. I try to watch most movies with subtitles. It helps me engage more and stay focused on everything that is happening. It was certainly a benefit in this one as the rapid fire dialogue is often hard to keep up with even when reading along. The script is witty and when Enola does engage directly with the audience it is usually for good reason – and funny as well. So I would hate for you to miss it!
Even with the lack of Sherlock himself I give it a B for Bobby Brown. Netflix always finds unique and intriguing items to offer their subscribers and this is no exception. With little releasing in the theaters this is a perfect option for plopping the entire family down on the couch with some tasty snacks. Check it out on Netflix September 23rd.
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