The third part of this enjoyable franchise has a strong-willed protagonist and a villain moddled on Robin Hood. As an investigative thriller the film lacks the required finesse. There are stretches with the detective elements taking a complete backset. Having said that the romantic subplot coupled with the political intrigue makes it an enjoyable watch

Starcast: Millie Bobby Brown, Henry Cavil, Louis Patridge, Helena Bonham Carter, Sharon Ducan Brewster and others

Genre: Mystery

Director: Philip Bartani

Screenplay: Jack Thorne

Based on: The novel Enola Holmes Mysteries by Nancy Springer

Producers: Mary Parent, Millie Bobby Brown etc

Production Houses: Legendary Entertainment and PCMA Productions

Cinematography: Matthew Lewis

Running time: 1 hour and 50 minutes

Streaming site: Netflix

Enola Holmes films holds a unique space for its portrayal of feminism in a detective genre. Through the three movies we have a female protagonist going beyond the archaic traditions. In the first two films the viewers saw Enola embarking on various adventures and gradually coming out of her brother Sherlock’s shadow. By the time we come to this part Enola has firmly established her identity as acknowledged by her brother in the closing portions. EH3 is set around the sudden disappearance of Sherlock during Enola’s wedding day. The story in simple terms is about how Enola rescues Sherlock while learning the delicate balance between love, family and a sense of purpose. A political thread running simultaneously is colonialism and how this forces some to become extremists.

A strong aspect of EH 3 is the characterization of actor/producer Millie Bobby Brown. Her character comes with different shades in comparison to the previous ones. Yes, Enola is no longer the impulsive teenager out to prove a point. She has earned respect with her intelligence and courage. Having said that adulthood comes with its own things. Enola’s struggles of balancing her fiercely independent nature, while wanting to settle down with Louis Patridge Tewkesbury gives EH3 some of its best moments. Millie Bobby Brown nails the conflicting emotions making Enola’s coming of age an enjoyable journey.

Louis Patridge as Tewkesbury isn’t reduced to a bystander at any moment. He gets a solid arc of his own especially a crucial revelation about his father’s dark side. The romantic scenes between him and Millie Bobby Brown have some lovely moments with good depth. In short Louis Patridge gives major boyfriend goals with his portrayal of steadfast love.

The dynamics between Sherlock and Enola has also been well done. The climatic portion of Sherlock finally acknowledging Enola as his equal with some heartfelt dialogues pack a solid punch. Henrey Cavil makes a strong impact in this particular stretch.

Another interesting aspect of EH 3 is the political subplot spun around the investigation. Sharon Duncan Brewester playing Moriatary isn’t your stereotypical villain. Her villainy stems from anger towards class privilege and imperial injustice. Yes, Moriatary is ruthless and not likeable having said that her distaste towards colonialism has some valid points.

A major problem with EH 3 is the familiar technique of Enola speaking to the audiences. There was a certain novelty to this technique in the first two parts but here it comes across as laborious. Another issue with EH 3 are the underwritten detective portions.

The juggling act of romantic thread with Enola’s investigation doesn’t blend seamlessly. As a result, the eventual solving doesn’t hit the required high notes. Equal focus on both with a different running time would have benefitted EH 3 more.

Final word: Keeping aside the flaws Enola Holmes 3 makes for a fun weekend watch with a strong feminist aspect.