THIS MOVIE IS JUST SO MUCH FUN!! (◕◡◕:cherry_blossom:) I came for the stacked cast and because I'm a sucker for lighter period pieces. Henry Cavill is such a delight as Sherlock (I am looking DIRECTLY at it (º﹃º ) ), Sam Claflin is surprisingly convincing in the stereotypical uptight Mycroft role (I had to get out of the Finnick Odair headspace, oops), but the real joy is seeing Millie Bobby Brown shine as a lead. Newcomer Louis Partridge is ADORABLE too; their on-screen chemistry was great.

Once I got used to the constant breaking of the fourth wall (like, this was Dora the Explorer levels of fourth-wall breaking), it's such a fun watch. I'm trying to think of another adjective for fun, please bear with me. The jokes landed, and I was constantly giggling at Enola's interactions with all of the characters. Honestly, it just makes me want to read the books that this is based off of. While the plot is predictable at times, I think it stands well for a younger audience, which leads me to my next point: why was this rated PG-13? I would compare this movie to Emma Roberts' 2007 Nancy Drew film, which was rated PG and had the same vibes, just in a modern setting. In Enola, there's no cursing at all, and any intense scenes are few and far between, to the point that I would think it wouldn't have been too difficult to rewrite for a PG rating. Like, SPOILER: [spoiler] I was NOT expecting to see that one guy clonk his head and die like that. LMAO. AND THE GRANDMA SHOOTING MY BOY POINT BLANK? BRO. [/spoiler] Either way, it's not really a complaint from me, just a note that this movie definitely is yearning to be a family feature, but not quite getting there if you have younger sensitive kids.

Anyways, give this one a watch if you're in the mood for a light, fun (I didn't think of another adjective I'm sorry) mystery that you can easily follow along. I appreciate the relevant themes of being seen in an environment that tries so hard to turn a blind eye. If you're a sucker for these cliches (me), this movie will definitely inspire you to chase your dreams or whatever LOL.

THE WACPINE OF ‘ENOLA HOLMES’

WRITING: 8
ATMOSPHERE: 7
CHARACTERS: 8
PRODUCTION: 9
INTRIGUE: 8
NOVELTY: 7
ENJOYMENT: 8

Jack Thorne's script for Enola Homes presents a surprisingly fresh take on a Sherlock Holmes story, from the viewpoint of his significantly younger (and seemingly more brilliant-minded) sister. It’s as much a character piece as a feminist manifest, set at a time when certain expectations dictated what young women were excepted to do and say. In that sense, Enola Holmes is a powerful social and political commentary, without being overly in your face.
Thorne constructs a fun, fast-paced adventure, and allows his protagonist to shine with her wits and courage, while still utilizing the Holmes brothers as important supporting characters. Somewhere under that quirky writing and historical feminist piece, there is also an intricately plotted mystery, presented excitingly and providing some of the finest sequences of the entire film.
The script confidently stands on its own two legs, while drawing inspiration from Arthur Conan Doyle's source material. Those expecting a fully-fledged Sherlock Homes film will be disappointed. Then again, that is not the point of this movie at all. As a Sherlock Holmes mystery film, Enola Holmes isn't very good, but as a fascinatingly written character piece with important messages for contemporary (female) audiences, it's fine.

Enola Holmes expertly keeps up the historical setting with fines set design and cinematography. It's not a crime thriller or action film, but more of a fast-paced character drama with frequent spurs of lighthearted excitement, humour and sweet character moments.

What's great about Enola is that she isn't simply a female version of Sherlock, but a distinct character, with many similar characteristics and a very different emotional spectrum. Millie Bobbie Brown once again proves she is among the most promising up and coming actresses right now, because she is phenomenal. Surrounded by established co-actors, some of them among Britain's finest, Brown surpasses them almost entirely in most scenes she shares with them. It's also great how the film doesn’t weave a love story between Enola and Tewkesbury.
Despite numerous versions of Sherlock and his brother in all forms of media, Enola Holmes manages to give the two famous Holmes brothers another new spin. Henry Cavill and Sam Claflin slip surprisingly well into their literary characters, not trying to mimic what other actors have done. That being said, I am so used to seeing Benedict Cumberbatch's sociopathic Sherlock and Robert Downey Jr's action hero version, that this Basil Rathbone-esque version of Sherlock seems almost too normal. Claflin's Mycroft, meanwhile, is something of an unlikable villain here, helping distinguish him from, say, Stephen Fry's quirky version in the Guy Ritchie films.
This film is an ensemble piece and the circle is complete with Helena Bonham Carter, Fiona Shaw and Burn Gorman in fine supporting roles, as well as Adeel Akhtar in a refreshing take on Lestrade.

The editing and cinematography techniques are noteworthy; the jumpy editing and the documentary-style narration, which is lovely. I love the beautiful set and costume design and a beautiful soundtrack. The direction is what sets this film apart from many other takes on a Sherlock story. Still, some shticks in Bradbeer’s direction are inspired by some of the recent takes on the character.

The quirky and inventive techniques used to carry the story forward, Millie Bobbie Brown in a believable brilliant young woman of her time and a central mystery with many twists and turns keep this film going and help it stand out from the oversaturated field of Sherlock Holmes adaptations. That being said, the somewhat uneven pacing and lengthy moments lacking real plot progression, make the film feel longer than necessary.

We have seen multiple adaptations of Arthur Conan Doyle's classic literary creations but somehow Thorne and Bradbeer have managed to score a point by giving us yet another one that feels fresh and inventive. While Enola Holmes is less about the Holmes and more about the young, independent lady that Enola turns out to become, it takes enough element from Doyle’s' stories to feel like a Sherlock Holmes film.

The parties involved with the creation of this movie are intent on making a sequel (based on how the film ends) and based on the performances alone, I would watch one. This is a refreshing take on Sherlock Holmes, while still clearly being something completely different as well. One of the best Netflix original films in a long time.

WACPINE RATING: 7.86 / 10 = 4 stars

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2020 is unquestionably one of the most challenging years movie theaters ever had to face. The still going global pandemic closed down everything, including my favorite place to spend the most wonderful time. Therefore, the already growing streaming services got a huge bump, earning more and more subscribers during this tough phase in our lives. Netflix has been extremely busy releasing brand-new flicks since the beginning of the year, being The Devil All The Time, I’m Thinking of Ending Things, and Project Power the latest. Some better than others, but I’m still to find a 2020’s original film from the studio that I genuinely dislike. Is Enola Holmes the first one?

Well, no, far from that. With such a talented cast and high production value, a new take on the classic Sherlock Holmes’ mysteries is certainly welcome, and this is one of my top two compliments. Debutant director Harry Bradbeer and Jack Thorne (His Dark Materials) offer a refreshing twist on the famous detective’s stories, not only by focusing on her less popular sister instead but also by delivering a different Sherlock than the one we’re used to seeing. The editing (Adam Bosman), cinematography (Giles Nuttgens), and score (Daniel Pemberton) contribute to quirky, fun, captivating scenes that help the viewer follow Enola’s assessment of several situations, including her thought process (interpretation of clues, formulating plans), most of the times by breaking the fourth wall.

This last aspect takes me to my other top two praise, Millie Bobby Brown. She’s the reason why these sequences work so well. From the moment I first saw her in Stranger Things, I genuinely believed she would be a star. For the past few years, I’ve constantly left in writing that she will break the Oscars’ record for the youngest actress to ever win a Best Actress award. Millie still has a bit more than five years to achieve that, and she’s already leading major blockbusters like Godzilla: King of the Monsters. With this Netflix movie, Millie proves once again her versatility (already portrayed completely different characters in distinct genres), emotional range (effortlessly delivers any type of scene), and mature acting (rarely overacts or doesn’t offer enough, she’s always on point).

She incorporates Enola in such a unique manner that I struggle to find a better choice to play this character, who is herself also a standout. Enola’s arc feels genuinely empowering. It doesn’t feel like a forced political statement nor a narratively illogical decision to develop this character in the way Thorne does. Every enigma she tries to decipher, every plan she needs to create to save someone or something, every choice she makes feels earned and justified. Enola doesn’t let herself be restricted by old society’s rules of how the world should work. She wants to be herself without having to answer to nobody. It might be a generic message, but it’s transmitted through seamless execution.

Regarding the rest of the cast, Henry Cavill is a major surprise as Sherlock, and I won’t be shocked if it generates some controversy (update: it did). It’s a notably different version of the distant, emotionless, overly analytical Sherlock that Robert Downey Jr. and Benedict Cumberbatch interpreted, which I embrace with open arms. I don’t care about rights or origins. A character is what the actor and writer(s) make of it, it doesn’t belong to anyone let alone its “fans”. Cavill shows a cheekier display than what he’s used to presenting, and Thorne adjusted a couple of specific traits from the classic character. Louis Partridge and Sam Claflin are both excellent as Lord Viscount Tewksbury and Mycroft, respectively. The remaining actors all offer decent performances, but the two standouts are undoubtedly Millie and Cavill.

As for the film itself, I was ready to write “it’s fine” half an hour before I finished it. Even though it feels unique in several areas, Enola Holmes still follows a pretty generic story, with formulaic plot points and the usual character drama. Sadly, it doesn’t really bring anything new story-wise. It features no surprises, which is not a good attribute for a movie with a central mystery. However, that lack of enthusiasm leads me to a significant issue I didn’t expect to find in the latter half of the film. Its mystery isn’t truly one, and it’s set aside midway through the movie, which is a questionable narrative decision. I don’t remember the last time (if ever) where a film completely discards its main storyline (one that received an entire first act of set up), replacing it with a young-adult romantic endeavor (which is pretty convincing, but not as a main storyline).

I’m a firm advocate of the trailer-free methodology. Expectations can make or break the viewer’s opinion about a movie, and nowadays, trailers can be deceiving, misleading, and show way too much. I missed everything related to this film, watching it 100% blind. Had I watched Enola Holmes’ official trailer beforehand, I’d definitely be inclined to the negative side of the divisive line I stand on right now. Its trailer focuses on what most people will expect from the movie: the main mystery surrounding Enola’s mother disappearance. Considering how the film actually goes, it’s safe to write that its trailer is a bit deceiving.

All in all, Enola Holmes offers a pleasant, refreshing take on a franchise that might have a new future now. Focusing on Sherlock Holmes’ sister, Harry Bradbeer and Jack Thorne deliver a light, fun, entertaining story, packed with action, clues to decipher, and a brilliant cast. Millie Bobby Brown keeps climbing up the stairs of success, demonstrating her versatility, range, and maturity as a young actress. It’s a matter of time until she becomes one of the most coveted actresses in Hollywood. Her chemistry with Henry Cavill and Louis Partridge is phenomenal, and her fourth wall breaks are fascinating. Technically, Enola’s thoughts and feelings are perfectly transmitted to the audience through outstanding editing, cinematography, and score. However, story-wise, it’s as generic as it could be, boasting absolutely no surprises, and a central mystery that’s not quite one. It’s still a fine Saturday night flick to enjoy with family and friends but be advised: its trailer is a tad misleading, so keep your mind open and expectations grounded.

Rating: B-

Not sure I'd like this as much if it was without Millie Bobby Brown, who is excellent.

'Enola Holmes' is a good film, even if it does hold issues. The plot isn't one that entertained me that much, the mystery elements are average, though it still has a few moments. The humour is solid, as it just about everything else. I didn't love the constant "fourth wall breaking", but Brown helps make it work to the point it didn't get annoying.

Louis Partridge impresses too. Henry Cavill and Sam Claflin are strong casts to play Sherlock and Mycroft. I liked seeing Burn Gorman and Adeel Akhtar in their respective roles. The cast, as a whole, are enjoyable.

I wouldn't be surprised to see this get multiple sequels, I actually reckon it could turn into a good if unspectacular series - as long as Brown sticks around.

Really good watch, might watch again, and can recommend.

To absolutely fair, I'm not sure if this will appeal to Sherlock Holmes fans, but does expand the "Sherlock-verse", so make up your own mind.

I love Millie Bobby Brown ("Stranger Things"), and this proves she is quite capable of not only leading a movie, but carrying the entire bloody thing.

Despite what feels almost a lack of contribution from everyone else in the movie, this actually turns out quite good. I do wish she didn't do the fourth wall breaks, it really feels like she's either turning to a documentary crew or suddenly updating instagram. It was a little jarring, and they're clearly referencing Sherlock's "mind palace" techniques displayed in the movies, but with a "twist".

I honestly expected someone to ask her if she's okay, like in "Dora and the Lost City of Gold". It would have been equally acceptable to do narration over her actions in the same, but I understand wanting to do something different.

The only other people that didn't seem to be phoning it in were Burn Gorman who did quite a good antagonist, and Frances de la Tour who managed to elevate "concerned grannie".

Maybe Sam Claflin did the job perfectly and Mycroft is supposed to be that bland and irritating, but Henry Cavill had an air of being relieved that didn't have to have Sherlock doing any real deductions, he just had to stand there and seem mildly intrigued by things.

Overall, there is a good movie here in spite of itself, and the sad part is that it could have been great.