Netflix’s Enola Holmes is based on a fictional character who is also a sister to the famous Sherlock Holmes. Enola is a sixteen year old girl who has been taught about the world by her mother. Like most stories, this one adds to the list of movies trying to reflect upon how difficult it is for women to make unimpeded decisions in their lives. Enola has two brothers who are educated and well-off but still do not seem the most liberal, in the truest sense of the word. The mother, who is rather progressive is also a role model for Enola- who has been taught to make her own choices.
After her mother disappears, Enola is left alone. Her brothers seemed to have come back but her freedom was in jeopardy now. She embarks on a journey to find her mother after she deciphers a message from her mother. Enola breaks free from her house as her brother Mycroft insists upon sending her off to a boarding school. On this journey, she finds herself and understands the world better.
This movie is a great example of what parenthood, equality and freedom could look like. Enola is a political heroin. Her mother has left her perhaps to build a better world for her. The movie shows a string of conspiracies brewing against ‘new thinkers’ and the supporters of the Reform Bill. The family’s detective nature also comes out perfectly. The oppression of men and presence of patriarchy is also an essential element in the movie. Enola and her mother seemed to have been able to enjoy more freedom because they were by themselves and not with any male counterparts, it was also mentioned frequently that Mycroft had been paying for most things in the house; the office visited by Sherlock also had a majority of males working – this indicates that men were more prone to being financially independent and free at that point of time.
Motherhood or parenthood, in general, was also shown in positive light. Most parents or the society may find it incorrect for a parent to leave the child; however, the aspect of freedom and liberty is, essentially, more important than always being safe. The movie ends with Enola Holmes’s mother meeting her only to bid her adieu again, she explains that she left her for her which mostly meant that she is trying bring about the change she wants to see in the world that her daughter lives in.
The movie may be a fast, politically valuable, feminist piece to watch, but it does have a commercial touch to it. The actors are finely skilled and it is a treat to watch them all being skillful. However, the movie has been reported by the makers of Sherlock Holmes to be warmer than the true nature of the character, Netflix is about to be sued for the same.
The movie is fast-paced and enjoyable. The actors have played their roles magnificently. Humor could have been worked upon in order to make the characters more witty. Furthermore, the nature of mystery in the movie is extremely simple, and at times, it gets predictable too.
Directed by Harry Bradbeer
Story by Nancy Springer
Rating: 7/10
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