Millie Bobby Brown returns in Enola Holmes 3, but the Netflix mystery franchise is starting to lose steam. Despite the streamer's dominance, it has struggled to create original movie franchises, unlike traditional Hollywood studios. The third installment, directed by Philip Barantini and written by Jack Thorne, follows Enola as she prepares to marry Tewkesbury (Louis Partridge) on Malta, only to learn that her brother Sherlock (Henry Cavill) has been kidnapped.
A Safe but Tiring Sequel
The film attempts to blend sprightly energy, engaging mystery, and life lessons for young audiences, but it falls short of its predecessors. Thorne, fresh off his success with Adolescence, brings Barantini as director, but the result is safe and anonymous. The mystery is plodding and simple, failing to captivate. The film critiques marriage as a restrictive institution and touches on British colonial rule, but these themes are not seamlessly integrated into the plot.
Underwhelming Performances and Production
Brown struggles under the weight of the lead role, lacking natural charm and delivering uneven reactions. Helena Bonham Carter reprises her role as Enola's mother, and Sharon Duncan-Brewster returns as Moriarty, but the film relies heavily on Brown. The production feels small compared to prior installments, with set pieces minimized to cut costs. At under 100 minutes, it's shorter than its predecessors, but this feels more due to a lack of new ideas than efficient storytelling.
A Franchise at a Crossroads
The film ends with a setup for a potential sequel, but it feels like franchise filler. Netflix may be wise to let the series rest. Enola Holmes 3 is available on Netflix now.
