Enola Holmes 3 has finally arrived on Netflix after years of anticipation, but instead of unanimous praise, the latest adventure starring Millie Bobby Brown has sparked a fierce debate among viewers. While some fans have welcomed the return of the young detective and praised the film's humour, romance and feminist themes, others have branded it the weakest instalment of the franchise.
The third film reunites Brown with Louis Partridge as Tewkesbury, Henry Cavill as Sherlock Holmes and Helena Bonham Carter as Eudoria Holmes. This time, Enola finds herself balancing wedding preparations with a dangerous mystery after Sherlock is kidnapped, leading her into a conspiracy that stretches far beyond her personal life.
Critics And Fans Divided Over The Third Film
Professional reviews have landed somewhere in the middle. At the time of writing, Enola Holmes 3 holds a 59% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes, a significant drop from the original Enola Holmes (91%) and Enola Holmes 2 (93%).
Several critics praised Brown's performance despite mixed feelings about the story. Newsweek described the sequel as 'exciting, heartfelt, funny and thoughtful', while The New York Times said Brown continues to bring 'confidence, intelligence and charm' to the title character. Variety also applauded the film's action sequences, picturesque locations and Sharon Duncan-Brewster's portrayal of Moriarty.
However, not everyone was convinced. The Guardian criticised the mystery for lacking fresh ideas, arguing that the formula is beginning to lose its spark. Empire described the plot as overly complicated, while TheWrap suggested Enola has lost some of the qualities that originally made her stand out.
Viewers Say The Sequel Falls Short Of Expectations
Audience reactions across Reddit and social media have been even more polarising.
Many long-time fans who loved the first two films admitted they were disappointed by the latest chapter. One viewer wrote that the sequel 'felt so detached from the first two movies', criticising its pacing and calling the kidnapping mystery 'totally underwhelming'.
Others argued the film struggled to balance too many storylines at once. Some pointed to Enola's romance, Sherlock's disappearance, family tensions and a larger political storyline, saying none of them received satisfying conclusions.
One fan summed up their frustration by writing that the film had 'the potential to be so much more', adding that the original films blended mystery, feminism and family relationships far more effectively.
Several viewers also described the central mystery as predictable, saying they identified the villain early and felt the final reveal lacked the surprises that defined the previous instalments.
Others Defend The Netflix Sequel
Despite the criticism, many viewers have come to the film's defence. Some argued Enola Holmes has always been designed as light-hearted family entertainment rather than an intricate detective thriller.
One fan wrote that they 'don't need every film to change my life', adding that the movies remain enjoyable comfort viewing.
Another praised the sequel for allowing Enola to mature while maintaining the franchise's feminist message. They highlighted her decision to continue running her own detective agency, earning Sherlock's respect as an equal and refusing to abandon her independence despite getting married.
Other viewers simply appreciated spending more time with the familiar cast, particularly the chemistry between Brown and Partridge.
Millie Bobby Brown Continues To Earn Praise
Even many of the sequel's harshest critics agreed on one point: Millie Bobby Brown remains the franchise's biggest strength.
Reviewers consistently praised her performance, with The Hollywood Reporter saying the actress has 'matured nicely' in the role while showing greater confidence and comic timing.
Brown once again carries much of the film's emotional weight, balancing Enola's intelligence with vulnerability as the young detective faces personal and professional challenges.
So, Was The Wait Worth It?
The answer appears to depend largely on what viewers expect. Fans hoping for another mystery on the same level as the first two films have expressed disappointment, pointing to uneven pacing, unresolved storylines and a less compelling investigation.
However, audiences looking for an entertaining period adventure filled with familiar characters, romance and humour appear to be leaving far more satisfied.
With Enola Holmes 3 generating passionate debate rather than universal praise, Netflix has delivered perhaps the franchise's most divisive chapter yet. Even so, many fans believe the enduring popularity of the series and Millie Bobby Brown's performance could still pave the way for a fourth instalment, with hopes that the next mystery recaptures the magic that made Enola Holmes a streaming favourite in the first place.
