Enola Holmes 2 – A Thrilling Sequel (Early Review)

The first Enola Holmes was a fun adventure packed with a lot of style along with a stacked cast. The writing was clever and the story was interesting enough to keep audiences engaged. With the first feeling so refreshing and modern, its easy to ponder how Enola Holmes 2 could ever top the first. Thankfully, this sequel doubles down on what made the first so great as well as delivering a far more thrilling and engaging mystery.

Fresh off the triumph of solving her first case, Enola Holmes (Brown) opens up her own detective agency. After failing to attract any business or any new cases due to her gender, age as well as being overshadowed by her famous brother, Sherlock Holmes (Cavill), Enola decides to close up shop. Whilst closing her business, a young penniless matchstick girl brings Enola her first case, to find her missing sister. Little did she know, the case was far more elaborate than Enola could have possibly imagined thus forcing her to ask her brother for help.

Enola Holmes 2 presents many twists and turns as the case slowly unraveled and even though they aren’t necessarily shocking and somewhat teeter on the edge of predictable, the writing and performances make up for it as they do more than enough to keep audiences immersed and engaged.

Meanwhile, the film delivers more of the infectiously clever and charm that made the first film so great. Its visuals, editing and engaging fourth wall breaks by Enola further add to that charm, making for an entertaining watch. Sure, that style isn’t exactly original but Enola Holmes 2 nonetheless stands on its own against other films of the same ilk.

Now it goes without question that the cast and performances are both sensational with the likes of Brown, Cavill, Carter and David Thewlis leading the way. Brown is once again infectiously-engaging as Enola and does not miss a beat here. Cavill is a brilliant Sherlock, finding his own amongst a vast sea of other actors who have played the famous detective with charm and wit. Despite limited screen time, Carter makes the most out of her screen time as Eudoria Holmes. Audiences will no doubt have a blast seeing her chew up the scenery and play brilliantly off whoever she interacts with. Thewlis delivers an intimidating, creepy, and mysterious performance as the film’s antagonist, Superintendent Grail.

At the end of the day, this is Enola’s story but nevertheless, its still such a delight to see a lot more of Cavill’s Sherlock, one of the highlights of the original film. Making him much more poignant and giving him much more screen time made for a far more entertaining watch. Sherlock plays such an important role here as not only does her push Enola to grow as a character but she also does the same for him. And this made even better thanks to the stellar chemistry of Cavill and Brown who are incredibly sweet together.

That being said, the film was not without its issues. Despite endearing chemistry between Brown and Louis Partridge, a romantic subplot for Enola held the film back. The editing also proved to be an issue. For the most part, the editing is great but there are instances and scenes that are questionably put together with the most evident being action scenes. Though there aren’t that many here, it may take some viewers out of the film.

All in all, Enola Holmes 2 is a fun and engaging watch thanks to a truly compelling mystery. In spite of some editing hiccups and a lot of predictable twists, its infectious style and phenomenal cast all but make up for it.

*still courtesy of Netflix*

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Olly Dyche

Journalist, Writer, Film Critic and Professional Nerd. You will probably find Olly at the cinema chomping down on some popcorn and taking in the glorious visuals of the latest theatrical release.