The main problem when we were originally exposed to the fascinating world of Enola Holmes in 2020 was that an investigative thriller is only as good as its case. There was no denying that the charming historical setting, a determined Millie Bobby Brown in the lead role, and a strong cast worked in favour of the first movie, but the case obscured many of Enola Holmes’ advantages. By coincidence, the central case of the second instalment of the franchise, Enola Holmes 2, is also quite similar. When a girl goes missing, someone brings the matter to Enola rather than Enola investigating on her own. Enola Holmes 2 outshines the previous instalment even though both cases involve missing persons. This is because there are enough layers to this investigation to keep us interested.
The main character of Enola Holmes 2 is a professional investigator who is working hard to support herself in a setting where the famed elder brother Sherlock Holmes (Henry Cavill) casts a long shadow. Despite Enola’s potential in her field, patriarchal voices discredit her and become even more offensive when she takes on the case of a missing match factory worker. The world of Sherlock Holmes is never straightforward. Thus, what starts as a typical missing person investigation turns into something horrific that endangers the lives of other women. Because of how skillfully the concept is integrated throughout the movie, which also becomes more about Sherlock, the overriding sense doesn’t feel too overbearing. While I’m not entirely certain that a movie about Enola Holmes has too much Sherlock in it, it is still acceptable because the notion of the siblings facing off against a well-known foe is an intriguing one.
While Sherlock does get some of the attention, Enola is undoubtedly the star of the movie, and Millie gives the action a frantic pace. The fourth wall breaching, the wittiness of the banter, and the swashbuckling assurance of the action scenes all improve in this instalment. Even if the writing in Enola Holmes 2 enables them to confront this and find a means to believe in people and forge alliances, the Holmes siblings have all been notoriously reclusive. Sherlock escapes the woods owing to Enola, even though her epiphany about what matters to her coincides with the timely and vivacious appearances of Edith and Eudora Holmes that give the movie some much-needed seriousness.
Observing our very own Professor Remus Lupin from Harry Potter transforms into the stern and evil Grail in Enola Holmes 2 is equally intriguing. In his role as the police officer employed by the enemies, actor David Thewlis commands the screen. He has no qualms about hitting and kicking Enola, and these depraved actions only serve to highlight her character. Enola Holmes 2 is a lot more well-rounded movie as a result of these unique additions to this instalment.
