First Glimpse at Enola Holmes 3: A Darker Turn for the Young Detective

Netflix has offered audiences their initial peek at the third instalment of the Enola Holmes saga, with Milly Bobby Brown reprising her role as the spirited detective. The newly released image also features Louis Partridge, returning as Tewkesbury, as the pair prepare to tackle what’s described as “life’s greatest mystery: love.”

Familiar faces are set to return, including Henry Cavill as the ever-composed Sherlock Holmes, Helena Bonham Carter as the indomitable Eudoria Holmes, Sharon Duncan-Brewster stepping into the shoes of Moriarty, and Himesh Patel as Dr John Watson. While the finer points of the plot remain under wraps, it’s clear that this chapter will see Enola journeying to Malta, where she’s drawn into a case that promises to be rather more shadowy than her previous escapades.

New Direction and Creative Team

This time around, the director’s chair is occupied by Philip Barantini, whose previous work on the Emmy-winning Adolescence has earned him a fair bit of attention. He takes over from Harry Bradbeer, who helmed the first two films. Jack Thorne, meanwhile, returns to pen the screenplay, ensuring a sense of continuity even as the tone shifts.

The official synopsis sets the stage:

“Adventure chases detective Enola Holmes to Malta, where personal and professional dreams collide in a case more tangled and treacherous than any she has faced before.”

Barantini has made it clear he intends to steer the franchise in a more grown-up direction, reflecting Enola’s own coming of age—she’s now 21, matching Brown’s real-life age. This adjustment in tone is expected to bring a fresh edge to the series, moving away from the lighter touch of the earlier films.

Cast and Character Dynamics

With the return of key cast members, the dynamic between Enola and her brother Sherlock is set to evolve, especially as the narrative explores more complex emotional territory. The inclusion of Moriarty and Dr Watson hints at a broader, perhaps more perilous, web of intrigue. Malta, with its winding streets and sun-drenched vistas, provides a striking backdrop for the action, promising a visual departure from the foggy streets of Victorian London.

Though details are being kept close to the chest, the creative team’s comments suggest that audiences can expect a story that’s both more mature and emotionally charged. The decision to age up Enola, aligning her with Brown’s own transition into adulthood, signals a willingness to let the character grow alongside her audience.

Anticipation Builds for Release

There’s no confirmed release date just yet, but the film is slated to arrive on Netflix before the year’s out. The anticipation is palpable, with fans eager to see how the darker, more sophisticated approach will play out on screen. The franchise’s shift in tone, coupled with a new director at the helm, sets the stage for a chapter that’s likely to surprise even the most devoted followers.