2020 I 12+ I 123mins I Dir: Harry Bradbeer
While searching for her missing mother, intrepid teen Enola Holmes uses her sleuthing skills to outsmart big brother Sherlock and help a runaway lord.
I could tell quite quickly into watching this that it wasn't exactly going to be my cup of tea. However with Millie Bobby Brown being charming enough and always being keen to see what Henry Cavill is up to next - I was hoping that once I settled into Enola Holmes I'd start to enjoy myself for a bit of light hearted fun.
Sadly, despite it's occasional quirks and the lead character talking to the camera throughout, it actually all begins to feel a little uninventive and slow with the playful elements beginning to feel slightly annoying against some of the serious stuff. The second half of the film also begins to feel too weighed down in plot details and seemingly less concerned in the fun and excitement of the adventure which is a shame.
Something the film certainly deserves credit for is its championing of young girls being themselves and staying true to who they are despite societal pressures. It might be an obvious (or even slightly on the nose) message for some but its still great to see a film of this scale challenging gender norms. I'm sure plenty of younger girls will find a character they can identify with here which is always a great thing in an industry that is hopefully making more similar (and vital) changes in the content it is producing.
An admirable but sadly forgettable attempt at putting a quirky, teen flick spin on the Holmes name which struggles to hold itself together despite having some great talent on board and an important message for teens.
Written by
Joe Gist
STARRING: Millie Bobby Brown, Henry Cavill, Sam Claflin, Helena Bonham Carter, Louis Partridge
BEST QUOTE: “Sometimes you must dangle your feet in the water in order to attract the sharks”
FUN FACT: For added freedom and flexibility of camera movement, the movie was filmed almost exclusively using the Steadicam system.
IF YOU LIKED: Sherlock Holmes, Fleabag
'Enola Holmes' Trailer
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