“Enola Homes”

Directed by: Harry Bradbeer

Rated: PG-13

Runtime: 2:03

Starring “Stranger Things” star and Netflix favorite, Millie Bobby Brown, Netflix’s “Enola Holmes” is a family-friendly thrill from start to finish. The film, based on the story by author Nancy Springer, follows Enola Holmes, the younger sister of the famous Sherlock Holmes (played by Henry Cavill), who sets off on a dangerous journey of her own when her mother mysteriously goes missing. When Sherlock and her other, viler brother, Mycroft (played by Sam Claflin) try to stop her, she escapes her countryside manor of a home disguised as a boy. Amidst her escape, Enola encounters a young lord (played by Louis Partridge), who is also running away from his family, resulting in Enola attempting to crack two mysteries instead of one throughout her journey, making a new friend as well. 

Perhaps the most enchanting part of this film is the star-studded cast. Audiences will recognize many familiar British actors throughout, each charming in their own way. The best performance of them all: Millie Bobby Brown, of course. Whether you like the young actress or not, you have to admit that she is extremely talented. She grabs the audience by the hand at the film’s start and pulls them along on this twisty journey to the end, never losing our attention. A majority of the film is told through her character, Enola’s narration, which would seem to be annoying at first but in reality, it ends up being quite hysterical. 

I feel like most of the films that have been released on Netflix over the past few months have also not been family-friendly, or should I say, even too family-friendly. With “Enola Holmes” rated a premature PG-13, the film not only is appropriate for younger audiences but also it will reach older audiences as well. I was quite surprised by the many twists and turns throughout the film, and for the most part, the non-stop action. I think that anyone who likes a period-piece mystery dramedy will thoroughly enjoy themselves while watching this film.

Since the film is also a period-piece, like most Sherlock Holmes-themed films, I think it makes the story that much more enjoyable. You will find through Enola’s narration and commentary on modern feminism throughout the film that there are many allusions to 19th century England throughout. Also, if you appreciate great costume design in cinema, be prepared to be stunned by the beauty of the many gowns of Enola Holmes. This is obviously not something that the average viewer would notice, but the costume designer must be praised for his or her extraordinary work. 

All in all, “Enola Holmes” is an adorably entertaining film that everyone in the family can enjoy. It is currently sitting at a certified fresh score of 92% on Rotten Tomatoes, which is one of the best critically acclaimed scores for a film in a long time. This film has a bit of everything: drama, comedy, fright, mystery, and suspense. Thus, if you are looking for a fun film with any of these elements, then “Enola Holmes” is your movie — and you don’t even have to leave your house! I give this film an 8.5 out of 10.