"The Game Has Found Its Feet Again" in ENOLA HOLMES 2

The mystery of when the sequel to Enola Holmes will be released has been solved, as Enola Holmes 2 is now available on Netflix. Enola Holmes 2 retains the charm and humor that made the original a streaming hit, with Millie Bobby Brown once again shining as the titular character. The sequel continues to explore themes of feminism and class disparity in Victorian London.

After solving her first case, Enola Holmes (Millie Bobby Brown) decides to open her own agency. However, she quickly discovers that being a female detective-for-hire is challenging. Her first client is a penniless matchstick girl, who seeks help in finding her missing sister. Older brother Sherlock (Henry Cavill) makes himself available to help Enola in her time of need, as does Lord Tewkesbury (Louis Partridge) - yet she still remains the heroine of the story.

The story is entertaining and lighthearted, with a complex mystery that cleverly intertwines a fictionalized version of historic events. While none of the main characters in Enola Holmes 2 are based on real-life people, Enola’s case was inspired by and loosely based on the true story of labor activist Sarah Chapman and the Match Girls' Strike of 1888. I was fascinated to learn about the real history after watching this fictionalized version.

Henry Cavill, Louis Partridge, Susie Wokoma, Adeel Akhtar, and Helena Bonham Carter reprise their supporting roles, and David Thewlis and Sharon Duncan-Brewster join the cast of Enola Holmes 2.

The chemistry between Enola and Sherlock continues to be strong and believable, and Brown's charismatic performance carries the film. There’s no mistaking who is the lead character, with Enola breaking the fourth wall with her thoughts spoken aloud to viewers.

The pacing and plotting are similar to the first film, with satisfying plot twists that keep the audience engaged. The lively score by Daniel Pemberton set a dynamic pace for the action and intrigue of Enola Holmes 2.

A minor disappointment is the romance between Enola and Lord Tewkesbury is not given time to develop on screen in Enola Holmes 2. It can be argued that Helena Bonham Carter's character Eudoria Holmes is underutilized in this sequel. However, I thoroughly enjoy that Millie Bobby Brown is the true lead and star in her transformative role as Enola.

Overall, Enola Holmes 2 is a solid successor that will likely please fans of the first film, as well as viewers new to the Netflix-based franchise. Be sure to watch through the end credits for some intriguing surprises for the Holmes siblings.