Enola Holmes 3 movie review by Movie Review Mom

MOVIE TITLE: Enola Holmes 3

This new addition to the fun franchise is now available on Netflix.

RATING: PG-13 (for some violence)

LENGTH: 108 minutes

Movie Review Mom GRADE: B

IN A NUTSHELL:

Directed by Philip Barantini (taking the reins from Harry Bradbeer), Enola Holmes 3 follows the fiercely independent young detective Enola (Millie Bobby Brown) as she prepares for her destination wedding in Malta to her long-time love, Lord Tewkesbury (Louis Partridge). However, her romantic plans quickly spiral into chaos when she discovers her brother Sherlock (Henry Cavill) has vanished under mysterious circumstances. Leaving her wedding plans at the altar, Enola dives into a complex web of arson, murder, and shady government conspiracies involving stolen Afghan gold and the cunning Professor Moriarty (Sharon Duncan-Brewster).

I really enjoyed the first two installments of the Enola story. While I was entertained by this third movie, it definitely wasn’t as good as the first one.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

• Violence: Contains stylized action sequences, explosions, a trail of arson, and a few blood-splattered scenes.

• Thematic Elements: Deals with heavy sociopolitical themes including British colonialism, political corruption, and kidnapping.

• Language: Very mild language, keeping it appropriate for teenagers and older kids.

THEMES:

• Staying true to your own identity while stepping into marriage.

• The moral responsibility of exposed truth vs. national greed.

• Sibling loyalty and standing on equal footing with your mentors.

• Trust

THINGS I LIKED:

• Millie Bobby Brown’s Performance: Millie Bobby Brown continues to carry this franchise effortlessly with her infectious energy, wit, and immense charm. She clearly loves playing this character.

• Beautiful Scenery: The cinematic backdrop of Malta makes for a gorgeous travelogue aesthetic with grand historical locations.

• The Returning Cast: It’s always a treat to see Helena Bonham Carter back as Eudoria Holmes, bringing her signature cheeky, chaotic maternal energy to the screen. I can never get enough Henry Cavill in this franchise. He just doesn’t appear in very many scenes.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

• The Weakest Mystery Yet: The central puzzle feels a bit like an afterthought or a “wedding-centric side story” rather than a compelling, cohesive thriller. Plot holes and clunky contrivances slow down the second half.

• Heavy-Handed Messaging: Many viewers have shared that while the previous films handled social commentary with a clever touch, this installment tackles British colonialism with the subtlety of a sledgehammer, making the dialogue feel preachy.

• Wasted Characters: Henry Cavill’s Sherlock spends the vast majority of the movie offscreen, depriving fans of the playful brother-sister dynamic that made the first two films so great.

• Less Direct Style: The franchise’s iconic fourth-wall breaking and quirky visual flourishes are significantly cut down under the new director.

FUNNY LINES:

• “Rescued my favorite child… oh, and see if you can find Sherlock too.” – Eudoria Holmes to Enola

• “All good stories either begin or end with a wedding.” – Enola, trying to justify her chaotic life choices

INTERESTING LINES:

• “It will take a Holmes, to save a Holmes.” – Logline / Tagline

• “I wanted to marry you, Tewkesbury, I just didn’t want to marry the entire House of Lords.” – Enola

MOVIES LIKE THIS YOU ALSO MIGHT LIKE:

• Knives Out (2019) or Glass Onion (2022) – Perfect for viewers who love a vibrant, star-studded mystery set in beautiful locations.

• Sherlock Holmes (2009) – If you want to see standard Holmesian tracking with a bit more action and punchy camaraderie.

• Little Women (2019) – For those who enjoy strong-willed historical women fighting for their personal autonomy and identity against societal pressures.

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@MovieReviewMom @TrinaBoice

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Dr. Trina Boice is a university professor, author of 36 books, professional author coach, YouTuber, podcaster, film critic, and mom of 4 awesome sons.

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