Released by Netflix on Sept. 23, director Harry Bradbeer’s “Enola Holmes” follows the story of Sherlock Holmes’ teenage sister (Millie Bobby Brown) in her captivating journey of sleuthing adventures. Throughout the film, Enola outsmarts her brother, tries to find her missing mother, and aids a runaway lord (Louis Partridge). “Enola Holmes” is a period masterpiece full of female empowerment, entrancing landscapes, and clever story development.

The movie opens with a brief background on Enola’s upbringing by her beloved mother (Helena Bonham Carter). Rather than teaching Enola how to embroider and “act like a lady,” her mother taught her self-defense and badminton. The background was executed with the help of animations of childhood scrapbooks, which enhanced the film and caused the viewer to grasp the meaning behind Enola’s upbringing.

On the morning of her 16th birthday, Enola discovers that her mother has disappeared. She finds herself in the hands of her brothers, Sherlock (Henry Cavill) and Mycroft (Sam Clafin). Mycroft wants to send Enola to finishing school to learn how to become a woman in society, but the independent Enola refuses to go. Guided by clues, Enola escapes to London to find her mother. Along the way, she crosses paths with Tewksbury, a bright young lord who is also fleeing from his oppressive prescribed fate. 

During the time period in which “Enola Holmes” takes place, England is in the midst of political change. Civilians protest for governmental representation and voting rights, and Enola finds herself inspired to fight for her own cause and individuality.

“Enola Holmes” is everything one would expect from a young adult film – a fresh and lighthearted soundtrack, a spirited main character, a thrilling mystery, adventure, and a hint of teenage romance. Additionally, Brown produced the film, which is an astounding feat for the 16-year-old.

The film is full of entrancing, picturesque landscape shots of expansive hillsides, downtown London markets, and lush forests of late 1800s England.

Holmes (Brown) narrates her journey with personable asides, breaking the fourth wall, immersing the viewers into the tale. This clever filming technique was gratifying and useful in getting to know the charming Enola through a more personal lens.

“Enola Holmes” is a clever combination of intriguing mystery, upbeat personality, and deep individualism. It is full of innovative filming techniques and immersive shots of lush green hills and bustling downtown scenes, making it a true gem among other cinematic masterpieces. “Enola Holmes” is a story of inspiration and empowerment, and is a thrilling adventure of a film. 4.5/5.