Enola Holmes 3, the latest installment in the Netflix movie series, is a disappointing addition to the franchise. While the first two movies were enjoyable surprises in a sea of forgettable streaming content, Enola Holmes 3 feels like a flat, wedding-centric side story with a mystery that exists out of obligation. The film's narrative fails to engage with its central dilemma of whether or not marriage is right for the young detective, Enola Holmes, who has come into her own and is now focused on assisting the downtrodden and addressing social issues.
One thing that immediately stands out is the shift in directors. Phillip Barantini takes over the reins, and while he may have brought a different style to the table, it seems that everyone involved was simply fulfilling a contract. The performances and casting remain strong, but the overall quality of the film has declined. The fourth-wall breaking and visual flourishes that made the series so engaging are significantly reduced, and the writing is not nearly as sharp as it was in the previous installments.
The central mystery of Sherlock Holmes' kidnapping in Malta is not particularly surprising, and the film fails to deliver on the suspense and brain-teasing that a whodunit should offer. The subplot involving a Maltese man named Mikiel Mizzi is far more interesting, as it ties into the central mystery and offers a glimpse into the struggles of the Maltese people under British rule. However, this subplot is almost become a punchline, with Mikiel's name being repeated over and over again whenever he introduces himself.
In my opinion, Enola Holmes 3 is a step down from the previous two installments. While it may be entertaining to watch, it lacks the flashiness, wit, and style that made the series so delightful. The film's focus on a wedding rather than the central mystery of Sherlock Holmes' kidnapping feels like a cop-out, and the writing is not nearly as sharp as it was in the previous movies. Personally, I think that the shift in directors and the film's overall decline in quality are the main reasons for this disappointing addition to the Enola Holmes franchise.
