If you ever wondered what it might be like to dive into the world that produced the great Sherlock Holmes, then Enola Holmes is here to offer a fresh perspective. Directed by the talented Harry Bradbeer and jam-packed with a stellar cast including Millie Bobby Brown and Henry Cavill, this Adventure, Crime, Drama, and Mystery concoction is an absolute treat for those looking for an engaging movie review that dips into the lesser-seen side of Victorian England's most famous family.
Hold onto your deerstalker hats, folks, because the plot is as twisty as Baker Street on a foggy night! When young Enola Holmes discovers her fiercely independent mother has vanished, she takes it upon herself to solve the mystery. What follows is a quest that involves old school detective work, gut instinct, and a touch of youthful rebellion. The film cleverly weaves a tale of independence and identity—balanced with a hint of neo-feminism—without coming off as too preachy. Sure, Enola might be Sherlock's little sister, but she's nobody's sidekick. It’s a cracking adventure laced with danger, secret alliances, and dastardly plots. Could there ever be a conspiracy that doesn't involve some hidden agenda? Not in this film!
Ah, the acting. Let's talk about it because, frankly, it's one of this film's greatest strengths. Millie Bobby Brown shines as Enola, bringing just the right mix of mischievous charm and earnest determination. I mean, the way she breaks the fourth wall is both cheeky and endearing—giving us a cozy invite into her adventurous mind. Meanwhile, Henry Cavill brings a kind of brooding aloofness to Sherlock that works unexpectedly well next to Sam Claflin’s uptight Mycroft. Add in Helena Bonham Carter as their spirited mother, and you've got a cast that's practically oozing with talent. But let's not forget the set design—Victorian enough to make one think it's about to summon a Jack the Ripper subplot. The screenplay by Jack Thorne, based on Nancy Springer's series, manages to keep things lively with humor and heart.
You might wonder how this fares against other films in the same genre. While Enola Holmes feels fresh, it does echo the whimsical tones and engaging pace of Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes films. Yet, it holds a unique voice, reminding me a bit of The Golden Compass with its adventure and youthful, headstrong protagonist. I must admit, though, it's leagues more captivating than Miss Fisher and the Crypt of Tears. There's an infectious energy here that elevates it above your standard mystery fare.
If you love the idea of female-led detective tales, oozing with adventure and sprinkled with a dash of mystery, then this must-watch film is precisely what you need on your weekend watchlist. So grab some popcorn, maybe a piping hot cup of tea (Sherlock would approve), and settle down for an evening in the company of Holmes—just not the one you're used to. Cinematic masterpiece? Perhaps not in the most traditional sense, but it certainly swoops in with a flair that's hard to resist. Give it a go—after all, who doesn't love a good mystery?