A Powerful Holmes Story for 2020 + Enola Holmes Discussion Questions

Enola Holmes Discussion questions and Enola Holmes review written by the Princess and the Ent on 9/24/2020 This post contains affiliate links, you can find out more on our policies page or in the disclaimer at the bottom of the blog.

A Powerful Holmes Story for 2020 + Enola Holmes Discussion Questions

Know Before You Watch

Movie: Enola Homes (Based off the popular Book Series by Nancy Springer)
Rating: PG-13
Genre:  Action, Mystery, Teen
Age suggested : 12+
Release Date: September 23rd, 2020
Platform: Netflix
Themes: Family, Self-Acceptance, Empowerment
Warnings: Parental death and abandonment, family strain, theatrical violence, physical abuse of a minor, death

Quick Enola Holmes Summary

Based off the popular Book Series by Nancy Springer, the game is afoot when Enola Holmes wakes up on her 16th birthday with her mother having vanished in the night. She must find her mother while evading her two famous, older brothers who desperately want her to fall in line with their own plans. With new friends, mysterious clues, and action around every turn, Enola Holmes will bring you along on an incredible and thrilling journey. 

Enola Holmes Review

**Light Spoilers Beyond This Point** 

Enola Holmes is one of the best, most entertaining movies I have seen this year. Millie Bobby Brown is charming and fantastic in this role that is perfect for her. Watching something that is very reminiscent of Sherlock Holmes, but with less ego and pride, and more courage and charm, is delightfully refreshing and a pleasure to watch. Altogether the acting, story, and cinematography were all incredible. A MUST watch. 

–Why Watch It-

 This movie has so many important and powerful themes. It is about a young woman in search of herself. In a world where feminism is looked down upon, Enola learns to accept herself as she is. There is also deeper exploration into the ideas of power, family bonds and the risks of trying to change a world that is determined to stay the same. These themes are so important right now, but Enola Holmes does not overwhelm you with them. There is a beautiful balance between her adventure and the themes that drive the story. 

-Is Enola Holmes Appropriate?-

This movie is appropriate. We recommend 12 and up due to the PG-13 rating and due to the violence. It is paced a bit slower, so younger viewers will probably not be interested in sitting through the entire film. There is one darker, slightly scarier scene that does involve a death. It is based on a YA novel, but it’s a little more intense onscreen than I was expecting. If they could handle the Robert Downey Jr. Holme’s movies- they can handle this.

-What we loved about it- 

This was an incredible and pleasant adventure in a familiar world. This story kept me on the edge of my seat, and when I thought that I had figured out how it would end, I was totally proven wrong. The surprises and adventure is well balanced with humor, character development, and important themes. The story does not leave you guessing or wishing you had answers, but makes you feel like you just made a new friend, and leaves you with a sense of joy.

The casting in this movie was perfect. Each person seemed to be made for their role. The costumes, landscapes, and sets were all brilliant and so unbelievably perfect for this film. Such a wonderful movie with just the most beautiful cinematography- especially wowed by the train scene. A must see for sure and a great movie to watch with your teens!

I also loved where Enola speaks directly to the audience. It framed important parts of the movie and fit perfectly into her character. I also enjoyed watching Henry Cavill play Sherlock, and seeing that character subtly change by the end of the movie.

Is Enola Holmes Too Political?

In teaching a British Lit. course last year I got to do some research on Arthur Conan Doyle and he was never one to shy away from controversy or politics. In fact, most all of the Sherlock stories deal with some sort of social injustice. So it’s a hundred percent on track for this movie to have politics be a driving plot line in the story- it is in the novel version too! To me, it was not a beat-you-over-the-head political plot line, it fit well and only added to the story.

Continue Reading for our Enola Holmes Discussion Questions!

Enola Holmes Discussion Questions

1. Did you solve any of the mysteries before Sherlock or Enola did?
2. Enola decides to dress up in a fancy dress and finds function in what she had previously believed to be impractical and silly. Have you ever thought something was silly and then discovered it could be useful or cool?
3. Enola’s mom wanted to change the world, but was going about it with violence and making a big statement. Enola accomplished a major change by speaking and helping others. Which way do you think was more effective?
4. Enola discovered a lot of clues and solved quite a few mysteries throughout this movie. What was your favorite clue? Did you figure out the mystery before she did?
5. Enola is a detective and an adventurer. Her friend, Lord Viscount Tewksbury, is interested in botany and the study of nature. Sometimes we assume what someone’s interests would be, or assume that someone’s interest is not useful. What is something you like that you think someone would not expect?

Enola Holmes Curriculum

This Enola Holmes curriculum includes background information on the Sherlock Holmes series, a multiple choice quiz with answers, essay/project prompts and MORE! Find it here on Teachers Pay Teachers!

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-Our Enola Holmes curriculum includes background information on the Sherlock Holmes series, a multiple choice quiz with answers, essay/project prompts and MORE! Find it here on Teachers Pay Teachers!

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