REVIEW: Millie Bobby Brown is on the case once again in “Enola Holmes 2”

There are many unsolved mysteries that only a famous British detective by the name of Holmes can solve. Enola Holmes (Millie Bobby Brown) is out to set a name for herself with her own detective agency. When Enola gets a case of a missing girl, her investigation will lead her to a conspiracy that not even Sherlock Holmes (Henry Cavill) can solve.

Director, Harry Bradbeer, creates a fun, third wall breaking, humorous film that will keep the audience curious as to where the missing girl is while telling a powerful story of women empowerment. There are a lot of fight scenes throughout the film, but the movie shines when it allows Enola to use her wits instead of her fists. 

Writers, Bradbeer, Jack Thorne and Nancy Springer, did a good job at creating this story. However, the first 45 minutes were slower than I would have wanted. I went to turn it off at the 45 minute mark because it felt like it was dragging, but then the story took off. After that the story was much more enjoyable. They do an excellent job at tying this film back to its predecessor while adding new characters and elements to keep the story fresh. Something that stands out about this story compared to its last is that this film includes a real historical event of  the matchgirls’ strike. 

While I cannot go into the history of the matchgirls without spoiling the film, it was the first ever industrial action taken by women for women. It was a very significant part of history when it comes to women in the workplace

Brown does a phenomenal job at bringing Enola Holmes to life. Brown plays Enola as a strong, independent woman who breaks the social normalities of the 1880s while still being in touch with her feminine side. Her portrayal of Enola is a great example for young girls everywhere. 

Cavill perfectly balances the cold heartedness that Sherlock is known for while having a soft side when it comes to Enola. The sibling chemistry that Cavill and Brown share is undeniable. 

Enola Holmes 2. Henry Cavill as Sherlock Holmes, Millie Bobby Brown as Enola Holmes, Louis Partridge as Tewkesbury. Cr. Alex Bailey/Netflix © 2022

The mystery of  “Enola Holmes 2” (2022) is solved and despite some of the elements being simply elementary, it is a really fun film. I did reach for the remote to turn off the movie at one point, but I am really glad I did not. The film was a roller-coaster of highs and lows, but had an excellent message throughout. The story of the matchgirls proves that “it only takes one flame to start a fire”. That message is shown even further through Enola, her fiery spirit and her investigative skills. This sequel is just as wonderful as the first, with a crazy mid-credit scene earning it a 3 out of 5 film reels.

“Enola Holmes 2” is available to stream exclusively on Netflix.

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