Check out my full review @ https://www.manuelsbento.com/enola-holmes-3-2026-growing-up-without-losing-your-voice/
Rating: B-
Returning to this now-trilogy brings a familiar charm, even if ENOLA HOLMES 3 cannot quite match the high bar of its predecessor. Millie Bobby Brown delivers what I consider her finest career performance, bringing effortless wit and deep emotional resonance to Enola's internal struggle with marriage and identity. While the political plotting feels overstuffed and the central mystery is the weakest of the trilogy, the film remains an absolute joy to watch thanks to its inventive visual cues, gorgeous practical locations, and a stylized identity that keeps it far away from the standard, bland streaming formula.
**Score: 6/10 — A Diminished Return for a Once Vibrant Franchise**
Look, I loved the first two *Enola Holmes* films. They were breezy, clever, and full of infectious energy. Millie Bobby Brown's fourth wall breaking, jiu jitsu flipping detective was a breath of fresh air in a genre that often takes itself too seriously. But *Enola Holmes 3*? It's a step down. A noticeable one. It is **not as engaging as Enola Holmes 1 & 2** , and while it's not a disaster, it left me feeling more disappointed than entertained.
**What's Missing?**
The problem starts with the tone. The first two films had a playful, almost mischievous energy that perfectly suited Enola's character. This instalment feels **drawn out and somewhat uninteresting in comparison**. It doesn't have the same fun feel, nor the same level of action. The shift in director from Harry Bradbeer to Philip Barantini (*Adolescence*) brings a noticeably darker, more restrained visual style. While this might have been an attempt to mature the franchise along with its star, it strips away much of the whimsy that made it so charming. The fourth wall breaks, a highlight of the series, are used less frequently , and the whole affair feels more like a serious character drama than a zany mystery adventure.
The central mystery itself is **more serious and I don't feel it suited the trilogy**. The plot, which involves Sherlock's kidnapping , is tangled and occasionally feels muddled. It tries to weave in weighty themes of British colonialism and imperial injustice , which is an ambitious shift for a series known for its light touch. While some critics praised this as adding political texture , others, including myself, felt it was a jarring and somewhat preachy addition that didn't sit well with the franchise's established identity.
On a positive note, Millie Bobby Brown remains a charismatic lead , and the chemistry with Louis Partridge is as sweet as ever. Henry Cavill's Sherlock gets some nice moments, and Himesh Patel is a welcome addition as Dr. Watson. However, even their efforts can't fully compensate for a story that lacks the spark of its predecessors. It's not a terrible film, but it's a noticeable step down, and a somewhat disappointing end to what was a very fun trilogy.
