Netflix is kicking off the month with one of its biggest original releases of the year, “Enola Holmes 3.” This mystery franchise has been a major hit for the streamer, offering a clever, fast-paced spin on the “Sherlock Holmes” universe. Based on the YA book series by Nancy Springer, the first two films introduced Millie Bobby Brown as Enola Holmes, a sharp and independent teenage detective and the younger sister of Sherlock, who sets out to solve mysteries on her own terms.
Tom's Guide Verdict: 'Enola Holmes 3'
- Rating: 4/5 stars
- Verdict: “Enola Holmes 3” is a stylish, emotionally richer sequel that deepens the franchise’s charm while raising the stakes with a more personal mystery. Millie Bobby Brown anchors it brilliantly, balancing heart, humor, and action, even when supporting performances occasionally falter.
- Where to watch: "Enola Holmes 3" is streaming on Netflix from July 1
Streaming on Netflix in just a few hours, “Enola Holmes 3” significantly shifts gears by taking Enola out of London and across the sea. I can definitely say this sequel leans into a noticeably more mature, high-stakes and slightly darker tone than its predecessors. It opens by upending Enola’s personal life: After accepting a surprise marriage proposal from Lord Tewkesbury (Louis Partridge), her brief romantic happiness is cut short when she discovers that Sherlock (Henry Cavill) has been kidnapped.
I have no doubt “Enola Holmes 3” will dominate Netflix’s charts this week, especially since the first film was watched by around 76 million households in its first four weeks (a little fun fact). If you’re eager to delve into this new mystery, here are my honest thoughts on “Enola Holmes 3” and why it could be my favorite one yet.
‘Enola Holmes 3’ is a deadlier psychological game
Those who have seen the other “Enola Holmes” films will know that the franchise has always been charming and light-hearted. Even when there’s a murder to solve, Enola’s fourth-wall-breaking, comedic timing, and the vintage streets of London make for a delightful watch. “Enola Holmes 3,” however, opts for a slightly darker approach, despite shifting from the usually gloomy streets of London to the sunny Mediterranean island of Malta. That’s because Enola is dealing with a far more personal case when Sherlock suddenly goes missing.
The story opens on Enola and Lord Tewkesbury’s wedding day. While Tewkesbury waits nervously at the altar, Enola gets cold feet about adjusting to the traditional expectations of high-society marriage. Everything goes completely off the rails when Dr. Watson (Himesh Patel) tracks her down and reveals that Sherlock is nowhere to be found. The mystery surrounding his disappearance is handled brilliantly, revealing just enough to keep you guessing without giving too much away. It creates a real sense of suspense, forcing Enola to trust her own instincts. One particularly compelling addition sees her imagining Sherlock’s voice, giving their sibling bond even more emotional weight.
The franchise has always been visually impressive, but “Enola Holmes 3” finds fun new ways to bring its mysteries to life. Clever on-screen graphics help you follow Enola as she pieces together each clue, making the investigation feel even more immersive. At the same time, it never loses the charm that made the first two films so enjoyable. That includes some of the most impressive action scenes yet, most notably a standout rescue sequence from a burning building. The film fully embraces her physical strengths this time around, making her feel more capable than ever. But its biggest strength is how it reinforces that she doesn’t need to follow in Sherlock’s footsteps.
“Enola Holmes 3” leans into a more mature, modern definition of womanhood, showing that Enola’s real strength isn’t just her intellect, but her capacity to care. Of course, as a mystery at its core, it still delivers plenty of twists, with Enola learning just as much as the viewer as she meets new people drawn into the case. Romance fans will also be pleased to know that Enola and Tewkesbury share plenty of yearning-filled moments, including a simple scene of him plaiting her hair that had me in awe (I need more of them).
Verdict: ‘Enola Holmes 3’ is a fiercely brilliant chapter
“Enola Holmes 3” is easily my favorite film in the franchise so far. Moving the story to a sun-drenched, international setting is a great choice, and it really helps give the film a fresh visual energy. But what stands out most is the emotional side of things. It’s genuinely rewarding to spend more time inside Enola’s world and see her vulnerabilities more clearly. From her very relatable cold feet before the wedding to the fear that she might not be good enough to save her brother, it adds a lot more heart to the story.
While some of the supporting performances can feel a bit stiff or overly unserious at times (occasionally pulling you out of the more intense moments) it’s Millie Bobby Brown’s charming performance that pulls you right back in. She once again proves she’s the undeniable heart of the series.
"Enola Holmes 3" is streaming on Netflix from July 1
