Two years after her first case hit Netflix, Millie Bobby Brown’s Enola Holmes is back - and this time she has a lot more company.
Now a detective-for-hire, Enola agrees to try and find a missing girl as the sparks of a dangerous conspiracy ignite a mystery that may require the help of her older brother Sherlock (Henry Cavill) to solve.
British writer-director Harry Bradbeer returns behind the camera and his sequel’s biggest flaw is also one of its best features - veering more into familiar Sherlock Holmes territory.
While Enola is still the front-and-centre focus, Cavill’s increased screen time and the introduction of characters associated with his storied past clash with the concerted effort to make Enola the new detective star of the show.
But it’s nice to spend more time with Cavill’s charismatic Sherlock and there is a thrill to seeing the revelation of fresh takes on famous literary icons.
And make no mistake about it, Bobby Brown still carries the movie; the Stranger Things star is delightful throughout and aces everything from romance, humour, rage and action.
Enola does her best to remain independent, and is initially resistant to offers of help, but comes to appreciate the value of allies.
An oily David Thewlis ( Grail ) is the finest of the new cast additions, while Louis Partridge’s Tewkesbury and Helena Bonham Carter’s Eudoria are fleshed out further in their returns as Enola’s love interest and mother.
Bradbeer’s flick looks very lavish - and of its time - and he sprinkles in nice visual flourishes like the use of animated flip-book scenes.
There’s more action this time around too, with Enola on the run from the police through the city streets, a thrilling horse and carriage chase and hand-to-hand combat that wouldn’t look out of place in a Jason Bourne movie.
Enola Holmes 2 matches its predecessor and continues Bobby Brown’s acting ascent.
It’s just a slight shame that the most exciting sequel set-ups are steeped in the Sherlock universe.
● What are your thoughts on the Enola Holmes movies? Would you like to see more of them?
Pop me an email at ian.bunting@reachplc.com and I will pass on your comments – and any movie or TV show recommendations you have – to your fellow readers.
● Enola Holmes 2 is streaming on Netflix now.
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