Review: Millie Bobby Brown Brings Charm And Charisma To 'Enola Holmes 2'
Enola Holmes 2. Behind the scenes, Millie Bobby Brown as Enola Holmes. Cr. Alex Bailey/Netflix © 2022
Since hitting Netflix in 2020, Enola Holmes has become a fan-favorite film, deservedly so. The sequel follows the second installment of Nancy Springer’s book series of the same name but is bounds ahead of the first film. As someone who wasn’t a massive fan of the first, I had minimal expectations, but through a combination of Millie Bobby Brown’s witty charm, outstanding editing, and an engaging plot, this film had me hooked.
The film follows Enola Holmes (Millie Bobby Brown) as she finds herself with a struggling detective business when a young girl approaches her to look into the disappearance of her sister, Sarah (Hannah Dodd).
Enola Holmes 2. Millie Bobby Brown as Enola Holmes. Cr. Alex Bailey/Netflix © 2022
One of the most enticing qualities of the film is the editing. Opening with a quick-cut recap, the editing and visual effects work together harmoniously to craft visuals that are not only intriguing but drive the plot in a much better way than was attempted in the first film.
Most of the cast from the first film returns, with more screen time given to Henry Cavill’s Sherlock Holmes, which is certainly a good change. Cavil and Brown have fantastic chemistry and do a great job at portraying the back-and-forth you’ll find in most competitive sibling relationships.
Enola Holmes 2. Henry Cavill as Sherlock Holmes. Cr. Alex Bailey/Netflix © 2022
The plot is much more engaging than in the first film, with turns that are generally less predictable than they were. The pacing feels similar, with a slower first act that ramps up into an engaging third act. There is a little drag felt toward the middle as the film needs to assemble its ensemble, and its constant use of repetitive flashbacks, while not overbearing, is certainly a contributing factor.
The flashbacks, while many in number, do serve their purpose in not only aiding the plot but connecting Enola’s experiences and allowing for further character development.
Enola Holmes 2. Millie Bobby Brown as Enola Holmes, Helena Bonham Carter as Eudoria Holmes. Cr. Alex Bailey/Netflix © 2022
Many of the returning characters take lesser roles or completely shift to the background as the film introduces the new supporting cast, but their appearances are memorable and are brought to the forefront of their scenes.
Enola Holmes 2 is a step up from the original and excels in almost every way. The film is more a detective film than the original, and Millie Bobby Brown is a powerhouse, and it won’t be surprising to see her in future Enola Holmes films.
Catch Enola Holmes 2 on Netflix on Friday, November 4th.
