It’s a time of change for the Holmes family: four years after the second installment and six since its Netflix debut, the sister of the famous Sherlock returns with a third installment that moves to the exotic location of Malta and is directed by a new filmmaker—no longer Harry Bradbeer, who directed the first two installments, but Philip Barantini, the director behind another highly acclaimed hit on the popular streaming platform, Adolescence.
There’s good reason to be confident about this return in Enola Holmes 3, especially since the core elements remain in place—starting with the screenplay by the usual Jack Thorne—but above all, the lead actress Millie Bobby Brown, who once again steps into the role of the independent and rebellious young woman. Joining her is Henry Cavill as her brother Sherlock, as well as Louis Partridge as Tewkesbury, Helena Bonham Carter as Eudoria Holmes—mother of the protagonist and her famous brother—and Himesh Patel as Watson. In short, it’s a team that works—why change it? But will it continue to work? All in all, yes!
A Kidnapping and a Wedding in Enola Holmes 3
“All good stories begin with a wedding,” Enola Holmes tells us at the start of this new adventure, which takes place in Malta, where her wedding to Tewkesbury is to be held. But that’s not exactly how it goes, because we immediately take a step back to address everything that happens before this wedding can take place. Starting with a major kidnapping—that of Sherlock himself.
A significant obstacle stands between Enola and Tewkesbury, undermining the initial premise and ensuring that the story—while beautiful and gripping, full of twists and verve—is far from beginning with a wedding.
Worthy of the Holmes Name
We won’t go into too many details about the plot—as is only natural, so as not to spoil the viewing experience—but for young Enola, this is a journey that challenges her very sense of self and her vision of the future, as she realizes that each of us faces two paths: our own, and the one others choose for us. On the one hand, there’s the unfolding romance between the protagonist and Lord Tewkesbury; on the other, there’s an inner conflict and the concern of having to—and wanting to—be worthy of the Holmes name that Enola bears.
To truly feel it and wear it with the right sense of awareness—which also means solidifying one’s identity now that the years are beginning to pass and she is no longer just the brilliant young woman we met in the first chapter. Could there also be something personal and subtly autobiographical on Millie Bobby Brown’s part?
Look Beyond What You See
While this is the most mature and ambitious chapter, there’s also the allure of a mystery to solve and that offhand remark that intrigues fans of detective stories and mysteries in general: “The riddle is as devious as the one who created it,” which speaks as much to the antagonist as it does to the protagonist. The film remains lively, brilliant, and dynamic, but that greater maturity and ambition end up making it a touch less lighthearted and carefree than its predecessors.
It’s a sensible and necessary direction, one that aligns with the natural evolution and growth of both Enola Holmes and the actress who plays her, but it might discourage some of her fans, who have shown themselves to be very attached to her so far. It’s equally true, however, that the romantic element could intrigue and attract a new audience. Similarly, the new Maltese setting adds a fresh touch… but how much have we missed the Victorian London that we see so little of in Enola Holmes 3? Let’s hope for a return to our roots and those atmospheres in the new chapter.
Conclusions
Enola Holmes 3 proves to be a crucial transitional piece for the Netflix franchise. Although the change of location and the shift toward more mature and romantic dynamics risk upsetting early-on purists—who are nostalgic for that foggy, frenetic London that’s noticeably missing here—Philip Barantini’s film deserves credit for not lazily replicating a formula we’ve already seen. Despite a pace that’s at times less lighthearted, the chemistry among the cast and the magnetic presence of Millie Bobby Brown (now the undisputed master of the character) guarantee two hours of pure family entertainment. The path taken is the right one: Enola has grown up, and she’s finally ready to stand on her own two feet, even outside the shadow of her illustrious brother.
