Enola Holmes 3 review: Brown returns in a grown-up caper
Enola Holmes 3 is now streaming on Netflix, and critics largely agree that Millie Bobby Brown's third outing as Sherlock's sister is a frisky, more grown-up caper from Adolescence director Philip Barantini. Early reviews praise Brown's charisma and the Malta-set action. Several outlets still flag an overstuffed plot around Sherlock's kidnapping and pre-wedding jitters.
Key Takeaways
- Now on Netflix: Enola Holmes 3 debuted July 1, 2026, rated PG-13 and running about 105 minutes.
- A mature pivot: Philip Barantini replaces Harry Bradbeer, bringing Adolescence-style camera work to a wedding-and-mystery story in Malta.
- Mixed but warm reviews: Variety calls it compulsively watchable; Yahoo rates it 2.5/4 stars; THR finds it fun but forgettable.
- Plot baggage: Sherlock's abduction, colonialism subplots, and pre-nuptial jitters compete for screen time.
- Standout action: Sharon Duncan-Brewster's Moriarty fuels praised fight and chase sequences with Brown.
What Do Critics Say About Enola Holmes 3?
Variety's review headlines the film as a frisky and grown-up installment, calling it light on story but lavishly designed with a romantic Maltese backdrop. The trade writes that Barantini preserves the franchise's fast-paced, feather-light qualities while adding sophisticated camera moves, including long takes reminiscent of Adolescence.
Yahoo's review, syndicated from the Associated Press, awards two and a half stars out of four. It argues the Enola Holmes movies have charted Brown's evolution from a 16-year-old in 2020 to a 22-year-old star, and says this chapter remains spirited, fleet of foot, and unwilling to take itself too seriously.
The Hollywood Reporter describes the threequel as entertaining but largely forgettable. It credits Brown with new steeliness and comic chops, praises Henry Cavill's sturdy Sherlock and Helena Bonham Carter's Eudoria, and notes the film's strong anti-colonialist message beneath otherwise escapist action.
What Is Enola Holmes 3 About?
The Netflix sequel sends Enola to Malta for a destination wedding to Lord Tewkesbury, played again by Louis Partridge. Her ceremony is derailed when Sherlock, played by Henry Cavill, is kidnapped, with Lady Tewkesbury also abducted and Dr. Watson, played by Himesh Patel, drawn into the case.
Jack Thorne, who scripted all three films from Nancy Springer's YA books, layers in secrets, sunken treasure, and British colonialism alongside Enola's doubts about marriage and identity. Yahoo notes her hesitation is not about Tewkesbury but fear of losing the Holmes name she fought to earn.
Does the New Director Change the Franchise?
Barantini takes over from Fleabag veteran Harry Bradbeer, reuniting with Thorne after Adolescence. THR highlights an opening carriage sequence in which Enola, in a white wedding dress, climbs atop the vehicle and aims a shotgun at a pursuer, signaling a sequel with as much action as deduction.
Variety says the result splits the difference between grown-up and playfully youthful, maturing alongside viewers who have followed Brown since 2020. Yahoo adds that where the first two films leaned YA, this one edges closer to rom-com territory, including romantic montages THR likens to a teenage novel cover.
Should You Stream Enola Holmes 3 This Weekend?
For franchise fans, the consensus is yes, if expectations stay modest. Critics concede Sherlock needing rescue is far-fetched and the mystery meager next to Enola's emotional arc, yet Brown, Carter, and a fiery Moriarty showdown keep the Streaming & TV Alerts crowd engaged.
Read the full assessments at Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, and Yahoo before you queue it up on Netflix.