Enola Holmes 3 Review: Millie Bobby Brown Returns in a Scenic but Tired Netflix Sequel

Netflix has officially released Enola Holmes 3, bringing Millie Bobby Brown back as the sharp-witted younger sister of Sherlock Holmes. Directed by Philip Barantini and written by Jack Thorne, this third installment transports the young detective to Malta for her impending wedding to Lord Tewkesbury, only for the ceremony to be derailed by Sherlock's sudden kidnapping. The film attempts to balance Enola's transition into adulthood with a high-stakes family mystery, but it ultimately struggles to maintain the sprightly energy of its predecessors. As Netflix continues to hunt for enduring original film franchises, this sequel's mixed execution highlights the difficulty of keeping long-running streaming properties fresh.

What happened

In Enola Holmes 3, the titular heroine (Millie Bobby Brown) is poised to marry her long-time partner, Lord Tewkesbury (Louis Partridge), on the picturesque island of Malta. However, the celebration is cut short when her brother Sherlock (Henry Cavill) mysteriously disappears right before the ceremony. Suspecting foul play, Enola must put her wedding on hold to follow a trail of clues, which leads her to cross paths with returning allies like Dr. Watson (Himesh Patel) and formidable adversaries like Moriarty (Sharon Duncan-Brewster).

Behind the camera, director Philip Barantini takes the reins from Harry Bradbeer, collaborating with returning screenwriter Jack Thorne to guide Enola from late adolescence into adulthood. The production trades its traditional Victorian London setting for lavish Maltese locales, introducing themes surrounding the colonial history of the island and the restrictive societal expectations of marriage. Despite these ambitious thematic elements, the central whodunit unfolds in a straightforward, predictable manner, relying on frequent flashbacks to remind viewers of the characters' past emotional journeys.

Why it matters

This release underscores Netflix's ongoing challenge in establishing and maintaining homegrown, multi-film franchises. While the streaming giant has found massive success with true crime, reality television, and licensed acquisitions, creating a sustained cinematic universe from original or adapted intellectual property has proven difficult. The first two Enola Holmes films were critical and commercial triumphs that capitalized on Millie Bobby Brown's star power, but this third entry suggests that even sturdy franchises risk premature exhaustion when the central mystery fails to challenge the protagonist.

Furthermore, the film's shift in tone reflects the aging of its core demographic. Viewers who grew up with the series since its 2020 debut are now being presented with more mature themes, such as the tension between professional independence and marital expectations in the Victorian era. However, by sanding down the sharp historical edges and offering a smaller, less escapist scale than its predecessors, the film risks alienating fans who look to the series for grand, fast-paced adventures.

How to think about it

When evaluating Enola Holmes 3, it is helpful to view it as a transitional chapter rather than a standalone triumph. The creative team is attempting a difficult balancing act: allowing the characters to mature naturally while keeping the tone light and accessible for a young adult audience. This transition inevitably creates friction between the whimsical, fourth-wall-breaking style of the earlier films and the serious, adult decisions Enola faces regarding her future.

Viewers should adjust their expectations accordingly, treating this installment more as a cozy, character-driven epilogue to Enola's youth than a high-stakes blockbuster. While the mystery itself may not satisfy seasoned detective fans, the film still functions as an entertaining vehicle for its talented cast. It serves as a reminder that even when a franchise begins to lose steam, strong performances and scenic production design can still offer a pleasant, if forgettable, viewing experience.

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