Review by Jon Donnis
The Enola Holmes series has always occupied a comfortable space between mystery adventure and coming-of-age drama, offering a lighter and more playful alternative to the many darker interpretations of Sherlock Holmes. Four years after Enola Holmes 2, this third outing reunites audiences with the young detective as she heads to Malta for what should be the happiest moment of her life. Naturally, things do not go according to plan.
Enola Holmes, played once again by the likeable Millie Bobby Brown, arrives in Malta alongside Lord Tewkesbury, portrayed by Louis Partridge, for their wedding. What begins as a family celebration quickly spirals into another dangerous investigation involving murder, missing treasure, political corruption and the return of an old enemy. At the centre of it all is the disappearance of Sherlock Holmes, with Henry Cavill returning as the famous detective, forcing Enola to untangle a mystery that grows increasingly complicated with every clue she uncovers.
One of the film's greatest strengths remains its lead character. Millie Bobby Brown continues to bring warmth, confidence and charisma to Enola, making her instantly likeable from the opening scene. The character has matured noticeably since her first appearance, and the film wisely allows her to tackle more serious themes without losing the spirited personality that made audiences embrace her in the first place. Her occasional fourth wall breaks remain charming, although they are used more sparingly here, which helps prevent them from becoming a distraction.
The supporting cast is equally dependable. Louis Partridge gives Tewkesbury more emotional depth than before as the character struggles with revelations surrounding his family's past. His storyline adds genuine weight to the narrative, particularly as he is forced to confront uncomfortable truths about his father's role in a decades-old crime. Henry Cavill once again proves a perfect fit for Sherlock Holmes, balancing intelligence, frustration and vulnerability during some of the film's darker moments. The arrival of Dr. Watson, played by Himesh Patel, also injects fresh energy into the series, even if the "woke" casting is a bit ridiculous (Netflix forced to tick diversity boxes). His chemistry with both Enola and Sherlock works well, and he quickly feels like a decent addition to the established cast. Helena Bonham Carter's return as Eudoria Holmes is brief but welcome, bringing warmth and humour whenever she appears.
The Maltese setting proves to be one of the sequel's most appealing features. The filmmakers make excellent use of the island's historic streets, coastal scenery and striking architecture. Valletta in particular provides a beautiful backdrop for the story, helping the film stand apart visually from its predecessors. The production values are consistently strong throughout, with lavish costumes, detailed set design and polished cinematography creating an attractive Victorian world that remains easy to become immersed in.
As a mystery, however, Enola Holmes 3 is somewhat less successful. The investigation itself is entertaining enough, with plenty of clues, red herrings and twists along the way, but it never feels quite as clever as the best moments from the earlier films. The treasure hunt elements gradually take centre stage, often pushing the detective work into the background. While there is enjoyment to be found in the adventure, some viewers may feel that the Holmes identity of the franchise becomes diluted as the story leans more heavily into action and conspiracy.
Professor Moriarty's return provides a suitably dangerous threat, and the film does a good job portraying her as a manipulative mastermind operating several steps ahead of everyone else. Yet despite her importance to the plot, the character occasionally feels more like a device to move the story forward than a fully realised antagonist. The various revelations surrounding hidden Afghan gold, corrupt British officers and political cover-ups certainly raise the stakes, but they sometimes come at the expense of the more intimate character-driven storytelling that previously defined the series.
The film also struggles slightly with a sense of familiarity. After three adventures, the formula is beginning to show signs of wear. The energetic pacing and likeable cast keep things moving, but there is an undeniable feeling of franchise fatigue creeping into proceedings. Many of the narrative beats feel recognisable, and while the film attempts to raise the emotional stakes through Enola's impending marriage and Sherlock's kidnapping, it rarely captures the same magical spark that made the original films feel so fresh.
That said, there is still plenty of entertainment to be found here. The action sequences are exciting, the mystery remains engaging enough to hold attention, and the emotional resolution between Enola and Sherlock provides one of the film's strongest moments. The ending offers a surprising amount of closure for several major characters, particularly Tewkesbury, whose personal journey receives a satisfying conclusion.
Enola Holmes 3 may not reach the heights of its predecessors, but it remains an enjoyable and easy watch. The strong cast, attractive production design and charming central performance from Millie Bobby Brown carry the film through its weaker moments. While the series is beginning to feel slightly tired and the mystery takes a back seat to the treasure hunt, there is still enough wit, adventure and heart to make this a worthwhile return for fans.
A strong and likeable cast carry this film, even if the franchise is beginning to show signs of exhaustion. It remains an entertaining Netflix adventure with plenty of charm, even if some of the magic has faded. I enjoyed Enola Holmes 3 and score it a solid 7 out of 10.
Out Now on Netflix
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