Enola Holmes is a movie with so much enthusiasm, charm, and intelligence that it is virtually impossible not to love it. It is a grand showcase of a fantastic new take on a popular character from classic literature, an intriguing mystery with relevant social commentary, and a showcase of a rising star's talent as an actor. Typically, you would likely find only one of these qualities in any given film, but rarely all three at once. It is akin to watching a master juggler add more things to the mix without dropping any of them. The more you watch, the more appears, and the more enchanted you become.
Based on the novel by Nancy Springer, the story follows a young girl named Enola (Millie Bobby Brown), who is the younger sister of England's greatest detective, Sherlock Holmes. Enola typically spends every day with her mother, Eudoria (Helena Bonham Carter), learning literature, mathematics, deduction, and even combat. In-between lessons, they play tennis in the parlor, practice archery in the library, and play word games in the attic. Life seems delightful. That is, until Enola's 16th birthday when her mother has mysteriously vanished. Things take a turn for the worse, however, with the return of both her older brothers Sherlock (Henry Cavill) and Mycroft (Sam Clafin). Mycroft, the bitter and arrogant pompous ass he is, takes on Enola as his ward and decides the best course of action is sending her away to a boarding school to be "broken" into a proper young lady. Enola is not having any of it and forms a plan to escape to London to search for her mother. With all of her skills at the ready, Enola is sure to become a proper detective and solve the mystery, whatever it takes.
The movie wastes no time establishing its playful tone, as showcased by its choice to break the fourth wall. Like the classic comedy Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Enola speaks directly to the audience, as she lays out her plans and comments on her various situations. It's a storytelling technique that can be ingenious when done right, and pretentious when done poorly. Enola Holmes is the former. Thanks in large part to the incredibly talented Millie Bobby Brown, whom some of you may recall as Eleven from Stranger Things.
Millie Bobby Brown has the full range to showcase her ability as an actor. Every second she's on screen, you find yourself blown away at how effortlessly she carries the story on her shoulders. The best part about her performance is her genuine sense of conviction. Never at any point does she feel contrived or too silly in her fourth-wall-breaking. Her charm causes us, the audience, to feel as though we are right there in the moment with her. I have always enjoyed Millie Bobby Brown as a performer, but now I am incredibly eager to see what she will do next.
The film also features a surprisingly delightful performance from Henry Cavill. After his lackluster performance as Superman and his not-so-convincing work in the latest Mission Impossible film, I was beginning to suspect that Mr. Cavill was just a good-looking guy, but could not act all that well. However, watching him in Enola Holmes gives me a sliver of hope that there might be some talent in him after all. I'm not saying that he's suddenly transformed into Sir Alec Guinness overnight, far from it. I only mean that I have not given up on Mr. Cavill quite yet.
The writing is where this film shines the most. Penned by Jack Thorne, the script successfully walks the tight rope of being a faithful presentation of 19th century England, while providing some modern flair. The dialogue practically sings off the page, the pacing never feels rushed, and all relevant characters receive a healthy dose of growth and proper development. Best of all, without spoiling anything, the story comes to a satisfactory conclusion, while remaining open for further possible adventures. Should they maintain this level of quality with the material, I will be ecstatic to see more.
Enola Holmes is a manic ball of energy that makes you smile regardless of your present condition. It is the equivalent of a friend who always makes you feel better no matter how bad things seem to be. I cannot recommend this film enough. Open up Netflix and get this movie in front of your eyeballs immediately!
Ladies & gentlemen, I am TheNorm; thank you all for reading.
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