Enola Holmes 2: The Story of a Female Detective

Enola Holmes 2 (2022) is a mystery film and sequel to the first movie and is based on the character of the same name. The events of the sequel continue from where viewers last left off from the previous movie. There is a representation of women and African Americans in the sequel, as the title character (Millie Bobby Brown) plays the main role, and there are African American women playing supporting roles. There are many references to the previous movie, as Enola Holmes breaks the fourth wall to explain things to the viewers.

Note: it is recommended to watch the first Enola Holmes movie for viewers who have not heard of the title character.

The events of the sequel continue from where viewers last left off from the previous movie. Now a detective-for-hire like her infamous brother, she takes on her first official case to find a missing girl. The sparks of a dangerous conspiracy ignite a mystery that requires the help of friends — and Sherlock himself — to unravel. Stereotypes against women is the main topic of this mystery movie; there is a common stereotype discussing how only men are capable enough to be famous detectives who solve mysteries and crimes, which is not true. Her relationship with her brother, Sherlock Holmes, has significance to the viewers, as she tries to move outside the shadow of the famous detective.

In Enola Holmes 2, the title character starts her own detective agency but struggles to get clients, unlike her famous detective brother. This signifies how women are overshadowed by men due to male dominance in the mystery film genre. The title character is smarter than other people see her, as she is able to detect and solve secret codes that reveal a hidden message. One noticeable clue is the address 221B Baker Street, an illusion of Sherlock Holmes’s address in the books. Another clue is the suspense in the background music. In fact, the representation of women is emphasized from the historical setting, as the plot is based on the 1888 matchgirls’ strike. The city of London also plays an important role as viewers notice how women in the 1800s were overshadowed in the Victorian age. If viewers look closely, they see that many supporting characters are women, revealing the message about women’s resilience in a male dominated industry of crime and mystery.

Overall, Enola Holmes 2 has received positive reviews because the movie emphasizes women in a positive way. Viewers who love mystery films would find this sequel amazing.