If you’re like me, you’re always very hesitant about Netflix movies. I mean there have been some hidden gems but also some really…really bad ones. And to be honest, there’s a lot more that are bad than good. My initial hopes for the upcoming mystery film Enola Holmes are pretty high mainly because the excellent cast. Enola Holmes stars Millie Bobby Brown (Stranger Things) as the title character with supporting roles played by Henry Cavill, Sam Claflin and Helena Bonham Carter. The film is based on the book series of the same name written by Nancy Springer and it centers around the teenage sister of an already-famous Sherlock Holmes.
Initial reviews and content about the upcoming movie have commented on the fact that Enola Holmes takes a Phoebe Waller-Bridge approach to the narrative. Enola breaks the fourth wall and speaks directly to the camera with these asides being done in various artistic ways as the story progresses. Director Harry Bradbeer worked with Waller-Bridge extensively on her hit TV series Fleabag and Killing Eve. He cleverly adapts her witty style of audience communication to the emotional nuances of a juvenile character. For me, I can always appreciate a well-placed fourth wall break if it is done correctly and I think Enola Holmes will pull it off.
Based off the book series and the film’s trailer Enola Holmes‘ primary theme will likely focus around female empowerment with Enola being constantly underestimated because of her sex and youth. The theme of female empowerment is becoming more and more common in the film industry today and I do believe Netflix has been successful at showcasing this on a number of occasions (and then not so much). It is safe to assume that Enola Holmes will be a tentpole film that establishes the primary characters and sets the framework for further mysteries from the novel series.
Enola Holmes premieres on Netflix globally on September 23, 2020.
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