★★★½
Millie Bobby Brown shines in this charming and engaging detective story from the director of ‘Fleabag.’
When her mother goes missing, Enola Holmes must go on an adventure using her wits while outsmarting her brothers Sherlock and Mycroft.
Millie Bobby Brown burst into the scene less than five years ago in one of the starring roles of the hit show ‘Stranger Things,’ which has been enough to catapult her into stardom. While I quite enjoy her as Eleven, I have never been amazed by her; at least, until now. I genuinely believe Bobby Brown was born to play this role. She manages to ooze charisma at a level not many actors achieve, and she seemingly does it with ease. Long gone are the obvious restraints Eleven had for her as an actress. Here, she has moments of pure brilliance, which is largely thanks to the always-delightful breaking of the fourth wall. It shouldn’t surprise anyone either that director Harry Bradbeer comes from directing every episode of Fleabag, a show which, clearly, at least stylistically, inspired ‘Enola Holmes’. Bradbeer effectively manages to create a family version of that show. Yes, the crass humor that made Fleabag so special isn’t there, but the heart and wit are all over this film, much to my delight.
As for the rest of the cast, Henry Cavill, Helena Bonham Carter, and Sam Claflin do some excellent work with what they’re given, even if their roles are very minimal. It is young actor Louis Partridge who does the best besides Bobby Brown, with whom he has great chemistry.
‘Enola Holmes’ is not a perfect film and can feel very generic at times. However, there’s no denying how enjoyable it can be, and that is thanks in large part to an incredible performance by Millie Bobby Brown. For a family film at this time of year, it delivers, and it managed to surprise me, given my low expectations.
FILMAHOLIC 