Netflix is really making a push for a movie franchise in 2020 to pair with To All The Boys. The Old Guard was their superhero entry. Now, Enola Holmes is the “public domain” entry. Like Frankenstein and Dracula, Sherlock Holmes is a known commodity that studios refresh because they don’t have to pay someone to use the characters. Props to Netflix though, for thinking through the Holmes legacy and picking the right story with the perfect lead to jump start a franchise.
Enola Holmes (Millie Bobby Brown of Stranger Things fame) is the younger sister of her famous older brothers Mycroft (Sam Claflin) and Sherlock (Henry Cavill). She barely knows this though, as she was raised by her mom (Helena Bonham Carter) isolated on a very rural English estate. On Enola’s 16th birthday, her mom vanishes, leaving Enola in the care of Mycroft, who wants to put her though finishing school. Enola, however, was taught to forge her own path, which means she wants to know what happened to her mom.
The best of the Holmes movies or TV shows revolve completely around their star, which Enola Holmes does. Netflix will be forever indebted to Millie Bobby Brown because of Stranger Things. Investing in their star from that show, Netflix turns the keys over to Brown and lets Enola drive on her 16th birthday. Brown gives the movie a wacky proud swagger, similar to her older brother Sherlock. Brown’s peformance is a mixture of a few things: there’s some Clarissa Explains It All 4th wall breaking with incredulous looks, Marvel’s mixture of banter scenes and action, and Downton Abbey’s period suit and dress. This mixture lets Millie Bobby Brown almost stand apart a bit from the story, simultaneously participating in and commenting on her origin story, with Sherlock and her mom being her guiding lights. It’s also nice to see her have complete agency; no one’s making any decisions for Enola: she decides everything for herself.
Much like Sherlock, Enola’s origin story closely mimics a superhero tale. In this case, the superpower is logic and reason mostly, plus throw in a little combat wrinkle like the Downey Jr. Sherlock movies. The problem solving in Enola Holmes should be the highlight of the movie. Excepting a really good third act twist, the result is more of a mixed bag in practice, with the problem solving sort of montaged over, and the fights/chases taking precedent. Though a little dark, the combat is certainly engaging, pitting Enola against a stronger opponent she has to outmaneuver to beat. Much like martial arts films, it’s a reminder that a well trained fighter, regardless of gender, can hold their own in any fight and makes Millie Bobby Brown even more of a teen legend. The story will probably clean this up should sequels happen.
And happen they should! Enola Holmes is a fun romp with a strong lead that carries herself with a confidence beyond her years. I wonder if Netflix, if they get enough money, will plan a crossover where Enola has to figure out where a demogorgon is located. Better yet, let’s partner with DC comics and have good ol’ Sherlock don that Superman cape. It won’t make sense, but hey, it’ll pull in big $$$$$.