Directed by Philip Barantini from a screenplay by Jack Thorne, Enola Holmes 3 is based on Nancy Springer’s beloved mystery series. The film stars Millie Bobby Brown, Henry Cavill, Louis Partridge, Helena Bonham Carter, Sharon Duncan-Brewster, and Himesh Patel. Produced by Millie Bobby Brown, Alex Garcia, Ali Mendes, Mary Parent, Robert Brown, Michael Dreyer, and Jack Thorne, the score is composed by Aaron May and David Ridley.
I enjoyed Enola Holmes from the very first film when we were introduced to Sherlock Holmes’ spirited younger sister. Enola was adventurous, unpredictable, fiercely independent, and absolutely determined to make her own mark rather than live in her famous brother’s shadow.
The second film was a natural progression for the franchise, with an interesting twist. Enola was consumed with proving herself as a detective, determined to solve crimes and establish her own reputation. Along the way, her growing relationship with the young Lord Tewkesbury became an exciting—if somewhat inconvenient—distraction. Poor Tewkesbury had it bad. He was completely gaga over Enola, while she seemed far more interested in solving crimes than planning a future with him. His unwavering devotion became one of the film’s most amusing running themes, while Enola could hardly be bothered with romance. Still, even she eventually had to admit that she cared deeply for him.
Enola Holmes 3 takes the series in an unexpected direction. A wedding? Enola is conflicted from the start. Although she loves Tewkesbury, the thought of marriage threatens the independence she has fought so hard to earn. True to form, she is late for her own wedding, only to learn that Sherlock has been kidnapped. Instead of walking down the aisle, she races into yet another investigation, leaving both her groom and her brother wondering which mystery will claim her attention first.
Set against the beautiful backdrop of Malta, the third installment delivers nonstop suspense. Between Sherlock’s disappearance, an escaped convict, hidden caves, murder, and a mystery involving stolen Afghan gold tied to Tewkesbury’s family history, the stakes are higher than ever. Enola finds herself wrestling not only with danger, but also with the disappointment of missing what should have been the happiest day of her life. It turns out she really did love her man after all.
Millie Bobby Brown once again carries the film with confidence, wit, and charm. Louis Partridge continues to make Lord Tewkesbury far more than a simple love interest. Sharon Duncan-Brewster is outstanding as the mysterious Professor Adeline Rathe, whose true identity as Moriarty makes her a formidable and memorable villain. She commands the screen every time she appears. Helena Bonham Carter is equally delightful as Eudoria Holmes. Although she has less screen time than some of the principal cast, she always manages to steal a scene with her fearless, unconventional approach to motherhood.
Directed by Philip Barantini from a screenplay by Jack Thorne, Enola Holmes 3 is the franchise’s most ambitious chapter to date. The mystery moves quickly, the action rarely slows, and Malta provides a refreshing change of scenery from Victorian London. While the romance becomes a more prominent part of the story, the film never forgets that Enola Holmes is, above all else, a detective.
Enola Holmes meets her future Mother-in-Law.
For me, Enola Holmes 3 is the most suspenseful and fast-moving entry in the series. It blends action, mystery, humor, and romance into an entertaining adventure that keeps the momentum going from beginning to end. If you’ve followed Enola’s journey from the beginning, this third installment rewards that investment with her most personal case yet.
Verdict
★★★★★ (5/5)
Enola Holmes 3 is the strongest installment in the franchise. With its breathtaking Malta locations, an engaging mystery, memorable performances, and a satisfying blend of suspense, humor, and romance, the film raises the emotional stakes without sacrificing the wit and adventurous spirit that made the series so enjoyable. Millie Bobby Brown once again proves she was born to play Enola Holmes, while Sharon Duncan-Brewster’s Moriarty is a formidable adversary. And poor Lord Tewkesbury… he remains hopelessly gaga over Enola, providing just the right amount of heart to balance the mystery. For me, this is the franchise’s most suspenseful and entertaining chapter yet.