Critical Review Enola Holmes (Netflix Film 2020)

 

Enola Holmes (Netflix Autumn 2020)
Reviewed by Debra Hall

CRITICAL REVIEW - Enola Holmes 2020

BACKGROUND

A Netflix film (September 2020) based on the novel of the same name by Amercian author, Nancy Springer.

PG-13 Adventure - Mystery - Drama - Crime

OVERVIEW

The free-spirited Enola (Millie Bobby Brown), fierce and fiesty, raised lovingly and directly by her mother (Helena Bonham Carter), is hurt and disappointed when she awakes on the morning of her 16th birthday to find her mother missing. Enola is left hidden clues for her to work out as to why she left and where to find her. However, there's a further problem, as big brothers Mycroft and Sherlock (played by Sam Claflin and Henry Cavill respectively) are making plans for a future she does not envisage for herself.


Enola takes off to search for her mother in London. On the train, a young man is hiding. Turns out he's Viscount Tewkesbury (Louis Partridge) and he is running for his life as his chaser is trying to kill him. Their lives become entangled from that moment and like her famous brother, Enola shows herself to be a super-sleuth in solving the clues, unravelling the mystery around her mother, and exposing an aristocratic family conspiracy along the way. Using disguise, a determined mind, and methods of self-defence that her mother had taught her.

Comment

Despite this being a film that has attracted a strong cast, whose makers have been given a fictional plot with a clear hand, and have a talented creative team to boot; the result could have been much better as this is pretty dreary viewing.

Admittedly, told in eye-catchingly, vivid ways, the story is whisked through at break neck speed carried by lots of weak dialogue and special effects. The fight scenes are 'interesting'; there are a couple dramatic scenes where it gains a few brownie points. Reviewer feels it would work better as a TV series, with a different cast, in order to gain gravitas and insightfulness within the storylines. Lots of energy but disappointing overall.



                                **ENDS**

Review by critic Debra Hall (UK)