Enola Holmes 2 is a follow-up of the Netflix mystery thriller film starring Millie Bobby Brown (Stranger Things, Godzilla) in the lead role of the female investigator, who is determined to solve her first case as part of her newly opened detective agency. In her second adventurous ride, she is accompanied by her brother and the infamous consulting detective of 221B Baker Street-Sherlock Holmes, played by Henry Cavill (Man of Steel, The Witcher).
The rest of the cast includes Louis Partridge as Tewkesbury, Adil Akhtar as Lestrade, Susie Wokoma as Edith, Helena Bonham Carter as Eudoria Holmes, David Thewlis, Gabriel Tierney, Hannah Dodd, Abbie Hern and Sharon Duncan Brewster. Moreover, the film has a runtime of two hours and ten minutes.
-Enola Holmes 2 Review Does Not Contain Spoilers-
The film starts with typical chasing sequence and then backtracks to the point of inception, with a classic fourth wall breaking Enola Holmes (played by Millie Bobby Brown). We get to know, from Enola herself, that she has started her own detective agency and found the right kind of business for her deducing skills. However, the young detective still needs to gain the trust of her clients, who surpass her as an incompetent girl, or simply the sibling of Sherlock Holmes.
One day, Enola is hired by a young girl named Bessie, to find her elder sister who used to work in a matchstick production factory. The curious female detective is intrigued by the case at first, and later starts to unravel the dark mystery behind it. In all this cluster of clues and leads, she is once again assisted by her ward and guardian, Sherlock.
The first part of the detective film franchise was spot on with the introduction of Enola Holmes. It gave us an environment to know and understand Enola, and also find a reason to relate with the rebellious spirit. In this slightly longer sequel, we are given a broader context about Enola “The Detective”, and her adventurous yet thrilling pattern of solving cases.
The film manages to introduce several characters of the Sherlock universe, and is also successful in hiding the arch nemesis of the infamous detective, in complete plansight. Morever, there is also a surprise for the fans of the literary character, which comes during the post credits.
You will also find all the nuances of the original film in the sequel. The bookish caricatures, suspense inducing jump cuts, back and forth moment of realization and a lot more. I can say that film worked for me as a whole, including the well draped climax, but somehow its gets a little lost in the middle.
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In comparison to the predecessor, the film takes it’s own sweet time in engaging with the clues, and leading us to the Eureka moments. Even though there is no such individual arc development, we get to see Enola finally giving into her love life with lord Tewkesbury. However, there is a similar theme of unity, women empowerment and equality that is strongly presented in the sub context.
The film further manages to steer away from getting preachy and delivers the core message with utmost sincerity. I also believe that the investigation part also gets a fair share of representation. Including a longer screentime for Henry Cavill’s version of Holmes.
Enola Holmes Final Thoughts
You might get the feeling that original one had the edge, but the sequel does have several strong elements that stands independently. Furthermore, if you are fan of the detective mystery genre, and the Holmes sibling- then Enola Holmes 2 is defintiy a must watch.
You can stream the movie on Netflix. Let us know your thoughts about it in the comment section below.
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