Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Entertaining period mystery has feminist messages, violence.
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Why Age 11+?
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Enola Holmes
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 91 parent reviews
Parents say that the movie is generally entertaining and suitable for families, showcasing a strong female lead and a blend of humor, action, and mystery. However, some reviewers expressed concern about certain violent scenes that may be unsuitable for younger viewers, particularly a gruesome final fight, emphasizing the need for parental discretion when allowing children to watch it.
- strong female lead
- family friendly
- violence concerns
- enjoyable storyline
- suitable for older kids
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 219 kid reviews
Kids say the movie is a thrilling mix of mystery and action that many viewers, particularly young audiences, have enjoyed, highlighting strong female characters and empowering themes. However, it features some violent content, which may not be suitable for very young children, though the overall messages about courage and independence resonate well with families.
- strong female characters
- moderate violence
- family friendly
- empowering themes
- captivating mystery
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
ENOLA HOLMES (Millie Bobby Brown) has been raised by her mother alone in their vast country estate to be a strong and independent free-thinker. The two are exceptionally close until Mrs. Holmes (Helena Bonham Carter) suddenly disappears on Enola's 16th birthday, and Enola's brothers—renowned detective Sherlock (Henry Cavill) and uptight politician Mycroft (Sam Claflin)—are called in to care for her and help find their mother. The men are taken aback to find Enola, whom they haven't seen in years, grown up and, according to the straight-laced standards of Victorian England, wildly unrestrained. Mycroft plans to send her to finishing school, while Sherlock searches for their mother, who appears to be caught up in a potentially violent women's suffrage movement. But Enola has other plans and escapes them both. Through a series of disguises and adventures, she sets herself up in London to find her mother on her own. Complicating matters is her entanglement in the misadventures of the young marquess Lord Tewkesbury (Louis Partridge), who's on the run from both his family and a murderous mystery man.
Is It Any Good?
Fast-paced, clever, and hugely entertaining, this film will delight Brown's fans and surely bring her more followers thanks to this outstanding role. Brown has a history of playing cultural icons: Millions rallied behind Stranger Things' telekinetic Eleven, and the fiercely independent and wily Enola has her own brand of power. Brown (who's also a producer on Enola Holmes) joins a cast of established actors, including Bonham Carter and Cavill, and she fills nearly every scene with energy and intelligence in a role that's as physical as it is emotional. The technique of having her character conspiratorially break the fourth wall to talk directly to the camera (like a teen-friendly Fleabag) creates complicity with the viewer. Interestingly, that playful dialogue seems to come and go with her character's own confidence and fortune.
Sherlock fans may be reluctant to accept a younger and more forward-thinking sister who outsmarts the great detective. And history buffs might bristle at the imposition of some contemporary values on late 1800s-era London. But smashing both historical constructions and the patriarchy seems to be exactly the point. And, anyway, doesn't the magic of many movies lie precisely in the suspension of disbelief? Yes, Enola's regular combat conquests and speedy deductions are suspect. But who cares when a film is so well put together and just plain fun to watch?
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the characters in Enola Holmes compare to what you already knew of Sherlock Holmes and his world. What's your favorite part about this spin-off? Is there anything you didn't enjoy?
What did you think of Enola's upbringing? Would you like to have been raised like her? Why, or why not? Do you consider her a role model? How does she demonstrate courage and integrity?
Enola often talks to the camera in a technique known as "breaking the fourth wall." What's your reaction to this technique? Where else have you seen it?
What's your opinion of the choices Mrs. Holmes makes? How about Sherlock and Mycroft?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : September 23, 2020
- Cast : Millie Bobby Brown , Henry Cavill , Sam Claflin
- Director : Harry Bradbeer
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Activism ( Gender equality ) , Book Characters , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship , History
- Character Strengths : Courage , Integrity
- Run time : 123 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some violence
- Awards : Common Sense Selection , Kids' Choice Award
- Last updated : May 7, 2026
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