The Enola Holmes universe is back on Netflix, with Millie Bobby Brown returning as the quick-thinking young detective alongside Louis Partridge. The latest instalment picks up in 1886 and opens in Malta, continuing the franchise's mix of mystery, adventure, and youthful energy set against a Victorian backdrop.
But while the plot has drawn interest, it's the styling choices that have really set social media buzzing. Viewers have been debating everything from long acrylic nails to noticeably modern-looking hair and cosmetic enhancements.
For some fans, the details feel a little too contemporary for a story set in the 19th century, sparking a wave of online reactions and memes.
Fans Call Out Enola Holmes' Modern Look
Across social platforms, viewers have been quick to point out what they see as historical inconsistencies in the film's look.
One user commented on Brown's nails, saying: 'A full set in a movie set in 1885 💀 I busted out laughing when I first saw this.'
Others pointed out that the modern styling choices, including her beachy wavy wig and lipstick shade, made the film feel less authentic. Another user reacted: 'It makes me wonder what was happening behind the scenes. Like did ANYONE speak up about this?? Or was she being a diva and refusing to take her nails off? So many questions.'
Comments circulating online also include frustrations about how noticeable cosmetic enhancements can feel on screen, with one viewer saying it becomes 'so distracting watching a movie and noticing all the Botox and surgeries.'
Additionally, there's a wider conversation bubbling underneath the humour and criticism. Some fans suggested that today's actors are blending influencer-style aesthetics with traditional film performance, changing how audiences engage with period stories altogether.
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Millie Bobby Brown Responds to Critics
Millie Bobby Brown has responded to these criticism, pushing back against the focus on appearance over performance. In comments made to the BBC, she dismissed much of the debate, saying: 'It's so boring... just enjoy the artistry of the work.'
She also noted that online reactions are part of modern celebrity culture, adding that she isn't surprised by the level of scrutiny actors face today.
Her response reflects a growing divide between audience expectations and performer intent, especially in projects where visual detail becomes a talking point beyond the story itself.
@bbcnews The internet does not surprise me these days’ says Millie Bobby Brown to fans nick-picking new Enola 3 trailer. After first-look images from the film were released, some fans questioned whether Enola's nails looked too modern for the period setting. #MillieBobbyBrown #EnolaHolmes3 #BBCNews
♬ original sound - BBC News - BBC News
Does the Styling Fit the Victorian Era?
Part of the discussion comes down to expectations.
Enola Holmes is set firmly in the 1880s, a time when beauty standards, grooming, and fashion were very different from what we see today. That's why elements like long manicured nails or beachy wave styling have stood out so sharply for some viewers.
Period dramas often walk a fine line between historical accuracy and modern visual appeal. While audiences expect immersive storytelling, streaming productions also tend to adapt looks and styles to suit contemporary tastes and camera trends. That contrast is exactly what has fuelled debate around the latest instalment.
Netflix describes the franchise as a youthful reimagining of the Sherlock Holmes world, focused on Enola's perspective and independence within a mystery-driven narrative.
Inside the Enola Holmes Franchise
The Enola Holmes films are based on Nancy Springer's book series, which reimagines Sherlock Holmes' younger sister as an independent young detective carving her own path. Millie Bobby Brown leads the cast, with Louis Partridge playing Lord Tewkesbury, alongside returning characters from the Holmes universe.
The first film debuted in 2020, followed by a sequel in 2022, both released on Netflix and building a strong global fanbase. The franchise blends mystery, adventure, and coming-of-age narration, offering a lighter and more youthful take on Victorian-era detective fiction.
