Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Feminist messages, peril galore in rousing threequel.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Enola Holmes 3
What's the Story?
It's Enola Holmes' (Millie Bobby Brown) wedding day to boyfriend Tewkesbury (Louis Partridge), and she's having second thoughts at the start of ENOLA HOLMES 3. But there's no time to worry about that when Holmes is informed that her brother, Sherlock (Henry Cavill), is missing. With the help of Tewkesbury, whose mother (Hattie Morahan) has also now gone missing, and Dr. Watson (Himesh Patel), Enola will follow the clues to try to solve this latest and most personal mystery.
Is It Any Good?
The latest in the spirited feminist period series doesn't quite reach the same ingenuity of its predecessors, but it's a fun and worthwhile adventure. In Enola Holmes 3, Brown continues to carry the action with charm and confidence. Her character overthrows gender roles—particularly for Victorian-era women—as regularly as she takes down opponents in battles and decodes puzzles to solve cases. Brother Sherlock takes a backseat to her winning intellect.
None of this messaging is particularly subtle—nor are the critiques of colonialism's lasting damages, though valid. The fight for Maltese independence is employed as a convenient backdrop, with a character whose repeated self-introduction is cleverly silly (and perhaps reminiscent of The Princess Bride's Inigo Montoya). Brown's knowing looks at the camera now feel predictable rather than whimsical. And though number 3 seems to struggle more than its prequels to combine a personal story with the mystery and adventure, an emotional finale definitely helps compensate.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about examples of Enola's courage in trying to save herself and others in Enola Holmes 3. Is she more courageous than her male counterparts? Why does this representation matter on screen?
How does this film compare to the previous two? What's carried over, and what's new or different?
A character suggests that some decisions in war must go beyond morality, and that empires cannot admit guilt. What's your opinion on this?
If you've read the books, how do the films compare?
Where is Malta? When did it finally gain its independence? Where can you find more information?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : July 1, 2026
- Cast : Millie Bobby Brown , Henry Cavill , Louis Partridge
- Director : Philip Barantini
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Activism ( Civic engagement ) , Adventures , Book Characters , Family Stories ( Moms , Siblings ) , Friendship , History , Travel
- Character Strengths : Courage
- Run time : 107 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some violence
- Last updated : July 1, 2026
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