Millie Bobby Brown returns as the resourceful younger sister of Sherlock Holmes in "Enola Holmes 3," now streaming on Netflix. At 22, Brown's star power continues to anchor the franchise, which began in 2020 when she was 16. The films have consistently showcased her natural charisma, with her asides and glances driving the narrative.
While the previous installments leaned more into young adult themes with a feminist undertone, this latest chapter offers a slightly more mature tone, hinting at rom-com territory for Enola. The movie opens with Enola contemplating her impending marriage to Lord Tewkesbury, played by Louis Partridge. Her hesitation stems not from a lack of affection but from a fear of losing her burgeoning identity as an independent detective.
The wedding festivities, set in the picturesque locale of Malta, are abruptly put on hold when her brother, Sherlock Holmes (Henry Cavill), is kidnapped. The plot then introduces a complex mix of secrets, sunken treasure, and a subplot involving British colonialism, which proves to be a less compelling case than the setup might suggest.
Director Philip Barantini navigates the sprawling plot elements with a brisk pace, making the most of the Malta setting and the film's self-aware "ridiculous merry mess" description, as voiced by Helena Bonham Carter's character, Eudoria. Despite the narrative's challenges in juggling its disparate plot threads, the film provides a suitable backdrop for Brown's continued development as a compelling screen presence.
The film is rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association for some violence and has a running time of 105 minutes. It has been rated two and a half stars out of four.