Enola Holmes 2 brings a fresh, fun new case to our screens with improved performances, characterizations, and relationships. In more ways than one, it’s stronger and more cohesive than the original, proving that writers know where they want to go should there be a third. While the film takes a while to pick up its rhythm in the first act, once it starts, it’s an ongoing battle between action and quiet moments that bleed into the screen seamlessly.
It keeps the charm from the first film and thoroughly uses familiar beats, but it never once feels overdone. Enola Holmes 2 is more comforting and softer as it tells a story of the strength that’s unveiled in numbers.
There’s plenty about the sequel that stands out outside Henry Cavill’s Sherlock Holmes having a more prominent role, and it’s all linked to the idea of bonds making people stronger. (There’s also the original score that’s bigger and better than the first film’s.) Enola’s mother, Eudoria (Helena Bonham Carter), tells her that perhaps she’s raised her to be too independent, specifying later that the important thing is to: “Find your allies, work with them, and you will become more of who you are.“
While it’s refreshing to have a young detective outsmarting and owning the misogynistic streets fiercely, without the message of partnerships, the film would merely be a girl-bossification that fails at the seams. This way, the narrative brings more depth and contributes to the idea that people aren’t designed to be alone. The sooner we dismantle the toxicity that asking for help equates to weakness, the better the real and fictional worlds will become.
Enola Holmes 2 makes it clear that asking for help isn’t a drawback, but it’s an act that requires more strength at times. There’s immeasurable strength in numbers, no matter who’s a part of the game-changing ensemble. One voice is powerful, yes, but an entire league of women proudly walking out of a corrupt factory are a force to be reckoned with.
Additionally, the case in this sequel also flows better, cleverly constructing more significant stories hidden underneath one another. While it appears as though Enola and Sherlock are working on two different matters, the film threads them together masterfully, bringing a riveting confrontation with this version of Moriarty (Sharon Duncan-Brewster). Again, should there be more films, the story’s gotten juicer and more promising. The cases could dive deeper into the real daily issues plaguing humans while putting female characters front and center. (In the same way that Elementary once did.) The angles and stories that Sherlock’s closer inclusion into Enola’s life open up are endless. Now that Enola isn’t fighting for recognition, they could branch out in intriguing ways while coming together when necessary.
Sherlock and Enola’s bond as siblings is one that we’ve yet to see in adaptations, making these films an utter delight in juxtaposing emotions. Millie Bobby Brown and Henry Cavill are fascinating scene partners as they bring various emotions to their characters that counter one another while fitting together like puzzle pieces. You get how they’re siblings and why, but simultaneously their unique traits shine through brilliantly as opposites.
Further, it’s incredible to see Enola Holmes 2 establish a clear romantic relationship between Enola and Tewkesbury (Louis Partridge). As the two meet again, their path is now more linear and brimming with tender moments that are utterly pleasant. He really is trying to be a better viscount, and with her help, it’s successful in every way. They’re a sweeter pair, further developed, and the storyline allows their best to surface without ever pushing it. It’s an organic, lovely progression that adds a fun layer to the storytelling and enables both characters to jump into something they wholeheartedly want.
Related Content: Why Raising Voices Matters in Enola Holmes 2
Enola Holmes 2 is a love letter to partnerships and fighting honorable fights even when no one will listen. It’s bigger, better, and significantly more evolved from the first film, with astounding performances that make each moment thrilling, even through quiet moments.
Enola Holmes 2 is now streaming on Netflix.