Millie Bobby Brown proved with her first Enola Holmes film that she can rule it entirely with her wit and charm. The film is based on Nancy Springer’s popular book series titled The Enola Holmes Mysteries. The creative team behind Enola Holmes has reunited for Enola Holmes 2 featuring Millie Bobby Brown and Henry Cavil as the Holmes siblings again, a family fun giving an empowering message to young ladies. Things, however, are dangerous this time. Brown’s perfect comedic timing and energy make her the best choice for the role of a headstrong Holmes. She has played the role with effortless skill and is truly the joy of the film, making Enola Holmes 2 a delight to watch.
The first film was about Enola investigating her mother’s disappearance, Eudoria, a headstrong woman played by Helena Bonham Carter. Enola Holmes 2 is set some years later, in the Victorian era, with the lead attempting to strike out on her own and dreaming of success like her older brother by founding her detective agency. However, the attempt fails as the reality of adult life hits her, and she realizes how awfully sexist society can get. The poor girl gets mistaken for the secretary at her shop and asked incessantly if her famous brother Sherlock could help instead. Disappointed, Enola decides to close the shop. But she does get lucky as she is asked to take on a case, the disappearance of a girl working in the match factory, Sarah Chapman.
The character is based on a real person who was the main organizer of the historic Matchgirls Strike held at the Bryant and May match factory in London on 5th July 1888. It was the first-ever industrial action carried out by women. Like the first film, Enola Holmes 2 also has two mysteries that are intriguing and well-crafted. As the film rolls on, the cases intertwine. Also, as Enola’s search takes her from factory floors to shady theaters and even social events, it points out how her upbringing isn’t helping her fit the standards of modern society.
Cavil and Brown share a lot of screen time compared to the previous movie. Their chemistry is great as they share a good sibling-like bond in real life as well. The Holmes siblings are faced with new enemies. Eudoria (Helena Bonham Carter) returns as the Holmes kids’ mother. She blows up the pillar boxes approving the suffragette movement which she was part of in the movie.
Similar to the first film, Enola Holmes 2 gives a hopeful and inspiring message to young women. The movie offers the right amount of cheesy content without being cringe-worthy. Writer Jack Thorne and director Harry Bradbeer are focused on maintaining balance and have achieved it with the two films so far. The ending of Enola Holmes 2 hints towards the possibility of a third film.
Before viewing Enola Holmes 2, know that it is meant to be enjoyed. The movie is not some period drama masterpiece. Also, the movie is about Enola, not Sherlock, so the storyline is more about her character and her story than her brother.
