Although I am not Sherlockian, by any means, I have seen most of the movie versions of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s fictional detective, and some of those movies are very good or great.  I have enjoyed most of the original variations as well, probably because the mix of the world’s greatest detective, intriguing mystery and fascinating historical history pretty much demand excellence in plotting, staging, dialogue and action.  They are meant to be smart movies for smart audiences, and I appreciate that approach very very much.  So when I finally stumbled across the premise of Enola Holmes, five years after the film’s release, I was quite interested immediately.

Harry Bradbeer’s film posits that brothers Mycroft and Sherlock Holmes actually have a much younger sister, Enola, who was raised by her mother, Eudoria, at the isolated Holmes estate . . . until she wasn’t anymore.  Suddenly on her own, Enola (Millie Bobby Brown), journeys to London to solve the disappearance of her mother.  Along the way she becomes involved with a goofy runaway (Louis Partridge) who has a very large part to play in her immediate future.  Her brothers are no help; Sherlock (Henry Cavill) avoids confrontation while Mycroft (Sam Claflin) sends her away to boarding school when he finally catches her.  And meanwhile, a mysterious somebody is on Enola’s trail, believing that she will lead him to his real target.

It’s a complex story, intriguing in its historical data and perspectives, yet revisionist as well — which isn’t always comfortable.  I was particularly troubled by Eudoria’s willingness to abandon her daughter, which I feel is never satisfactorily explained.  But as a Holmes, Enola is bright, sensible, active and above all determined.  She is a great character, brought to vivid, adorable life by Millie Bobby Brown, best known for TV’s “Stranger Things” (which I have never seen).  Enola breaks the fourth wall regularly, has many witty things to say about her situations and, most pointedly, about the roles of women at the time — especially young women, who ought to be out looking for husbands (or so she is told).  Based on a series of Nancy Springer novels, this character is one to follow.

I mostly enjoyed Enola Holmes and believe it will even improve on repeat viewings; there is just so much here in which to revel.  I should have liked more Sherlock and certainly less Mycroft (what a jerk!), but the family dynamic is fun and fascinating.  And while the story seems to play fast and loose with some of its history, it is a rather glorious ride through a period (the 1880s) which so many other Holmes stories have explored.  I highly recommend this movie and I look forward to the third iteration (the second is my very next review).  ☆ ☆ ☆.  30 July 2025.