The family-oriented period drama Enola Holmes made quite a splash on Netflix upon its release, with viewers universally praising one particular aspect of the “captivating” film.
Millie Bobby Brown steps into the shoes of the eponymous heroine, the sister of the legendary detective Sherlock Holmes, in this Netflix sensation. Released exclusively on the streaming platform in 2020, it had fans of Stranger Things flocking to see more of their beloved young actress, this time embodying a character from the Victorian era.
Enola Holmes transports audiences back in time and offers an adventure for all ages, set in a world entirely its own. A Rotten Tomatoes review lauded the mystery film as both “genius and ” and “adventurous,” while another viewer hailed it as a “great quality” film.
Set against the backdrop of 19th-century England, Enola wakes up on her 16th birthday to discover that her free-spirited mother, portrayed by Helena Bonham Carter, has vanished. She is left in the care of her two brothers, Sherlock and Mycroft, brought to life by none other than Henry Cavill and Sam Claflin.
A critic praised the film, stating: “The film brings a very different perspective than usual of a woman who wanted to change the world for her daughter, Enola Holmes; she raised her to be strong and fearless. Enola goes through many adventures in search of finding her mother. The movie is of great quality because the script is very good, the setting is perfect, and the costumes, the effects, the soundtracks, and the plot.”
Echoing this sentiment, another viewer remarked: “The film blends humor, action, and a mystery that’s both engaging and thought-provoking, with standout performances from Henry Cavill and Helena Bonham Carter. Though it occasionally feels predictable, its empowering themes and Brown’s captivating performance make it a delightful watch for all ages.”
However, despite the accolades, some viewers have expressed a notable criticism regarding the film’s narrative technique, as per the Mirror US. The main character, Enola Holmes, frequently ‘breaks the fourth wall’ by addressing the audience directly, which has been met with mixed reactions.
One viewer commented: “Overall a good movie, and I really enjoyed the plot; however, it kind of annoyed me how much she broke the fourth wall; it makes it seem… I don’t know, almost cringey? Not hating, just a little odd to me.”
Another shared their thoughts, adding: “This was quite well executed, but they may have slightly overdone it with Millie breaking the fourth wall. And though it can be funny at most times, it is a downside of the movie.”
The breaking of the fourth wall in the adventure film Enola Holmes has been a point of contention among viewers, with one critic labelling it “super annoying.”
They elaborated that while an initial break could have been tasteful, the character’s consistent asides to the audience throughout the movie were deemed “too much.”
Despite this critique, Enola Holmes proved to be a triumph for Netflix, leading to the creation of a sequel, Enola Holmes 2, which debuted in 2022. Millie Bobby Brown not only starred in both films but also took on the role of producer.
For those eager to see Millie Bobby Brown shine as the formidable young protagonist in a Victorian setting, Enola Holmes is available for streaming on Netflix.