Spartan Scroll

CAITLIN MAUNG, Entertainment Editor

Netflix is currently streaming a successful, entertaining movie adaptation of the Enola Holmes book series, in which the main character, sister to famous crime-solver Sherlock Holmes, does some sleuthing of her own.

The premise of the film revolves around a girl named Enola Holmes living in Victorian England and the adventure she goes on trying to find her missing mother. Along the way, Enola meets a young marquess named Lord Tewksbury who ran away from his family when they tried to send him to the military. However, Enola soon realizes that Tewksbury’s life is in danger and instead of finding her mother, she deviates from her original goal and tries to save Tewksbury. Throughout the film, we see Enola develop into a young detective, and find her purpose in the world. 

The film stars a multitude of familiar faces. Stranger Things’ Millie Bobby Brown is heroine Enola Holmes, Justice League’s Henry Cavill and Hunger Games’ Sam Claflin star as Enola’s brothers, Sherlock and Mycroft, and lastly newcomer Louis Partridge as Enola’s love interest, Lord Tewksbury. 

In an attempt to keep this review spoiler-free, I’m going to try to keep it as inexplicit as possible. Except for the slow start, and an abundance of dialogue, this movie was pretty enjoyable to watch. I felt a deep connection to the main character, Enola, who felt that her duty on earth was more than being a ‘poise lady’ and instead choosing a path for herself. She’s an independent character, and always reminded the audience of this trait. Enola often ‘broke the fourth wall’ and would ‘ask’ the audience questions, introduce a character, or just give the viewers her thoughts on a situation. These off-screen interactions made the relationship with the character more personal, like you were Enola’s friend or partner. 

I’d give this movie an 8/10. Enola Holmes battled patriarchy as a heroine and showed a personal struggle with how society viewed women. The plot made an effective argument against gender roles and in favor of feminism and female empowerment which were all taboo topics in the 1800s. At the beginning of the movie, Enola felt trapped, and did not know her purpose in life, however throughout the film, she realizes that you don’t have to follow the path made for you, and you can choose your future.

With a powerful message, incredible acting from Millie Bobby Brown, and a heartfelt mother-daughter relationship, this movie ranks high on my scale. However, the minus-two points come from the lack of closure from Enola and Tewksbury’s storyline (spoiler, they don’t necessarily get their happy ending together).

Nonetheless, Enola Holmes is a feel-good film, with an interesting plot, an amazing cast, and an important lesson to be learned. It is a movie that can be enjoyed by all ages, and fans of any genre. In the words of Enola Holmes, “The future is up to us.”