The game is afoot.
Enola starts her investigation in a match factory run by business moguls Henry Lyon (David Westhead) and Charles McIntyre (Tim McMullan). She found out that Sarah had discovered something in the workshop, forcing her to hide from the authorities headed by Superintendent Grail (David Thewlis). Whatever it is, it’s huge.
Soon enough, Enola begins to uncover more vexing mysteries behind Sarah’s disappearance. Her snooping around and finding clues got the attention of Sarah’s friend and co-worker, Mae (Abbie Hern). Much to her displeasure for her determination and taking the job, Mae threatened Enola to let go of the case. But the young detective can smell that something is already burning and that it’s getting bigger. She must figure it all out before they capture Sarah and before it’s too late. To do that though, she will need some help from the great Sherlock Holmes.
Harry Bradbeer’s "Enola Holmes" is a lot of fun since it adds a contemporary twist and a deep social commentary to a Holmes story. Well, the film and its sequel are not really about Sherlock and his adventures; they are more about her younger sister. But with the way that "Enola Holmes 2" ended, it feels like it’s a sure thing that the time of the consulting detective will come.
Going back, "Enola Holmes 2" is as enjoyable as the first one and hands down a lot more engaging, amusing, and charming. Most of its conviviality comes from Millie Bobby Brown, with all her perfectly timed "breaking the fourth wall" stares. She carried the whole film on her back, and it’s a delight to see her chime more sharply with her character’s youth, resolve, and energy. She was also able to balance Enola’s maturity and immaturity in a humorous and gracious fashion which is amazing for a budding actress. Hence, it is not impossible to connect with and root for her throughout the film. In all fairness, Henry Cavill is always an absolute beast of a talent on screen. But it is Millie who takes the biggest piece of Dundee cake out of the door.
True to the first one’s formula, "Enola Holmes 2" sees little participation from the men. Yes, Tewkesbury and Sherlock play huge roles in the narrative. But women rule in this story. The film sees girls standing up against outdated ideals, awful laws, and corrupt officers. It shows threads of meaningful lessons about their rights and privileges. It reminds the viewers that ladies can fight too, and they can be a flame to start a fire to cleanse the world of injustice. Sharon Duncan-Brewster’s Mira Troy capped it off in her final scene, and it’s a hauntingly good speech to send this message across.
With these said, "Enola Holmes 2" updates our perception of the Victorian era as we see it. 1880s London is often glamorized for its style and fashion, but one that shouldn’t be forgotten are those tales of activism that led to better laws and reforms. This makes the film highly delectable to consume as it addresses the flaws of the world it lives in. Bradbury’s film is not just a witty and woke twist on a Holmesian story; it is also a thesis on the journey of the underprivileged to be heard.
"Enola Holmes 2" doubles down on the cause and the cost of a young girl trying to make a name for herself. It expands the environment that Enola lives in and introduces new friends and enemies. Needless to say, this film franchise is headed in a good direction, and it’s safe to say that Netflix will never dilly-dally for a potential third or fourth film. If ever it happens, I personally wouldn’t mind as well.
4.5/5
