Netflix’s new original movie, “Enola Holmes,” is an inspiring coming-of-age tale that will connect with women of all ages for years to come. The messages to be true to yourself, trust your gut and to never bow down when a man tells you to, are strong in this mystery movie, which is based off of Nancy Springer’s book series of the same name.  

Enola Holmes (Millie Bobby Brown) is a 14-year-old girl who is also the younger sister of Mycroft Holmes (Sam Clafin) and Sherlock Holmes (Henry Cavill). Growing up with her feminist single-mother (Helena Bonham Carter), Enola was raised in a way that was seen as totally unbecoming for a young girl in the late 1800s. Enola’s mother taught her martial arts, how to crack codes, chemistry that made things explode and, most importantly, how to solve a mystery. 

These lessons are revealed to the viewers through flashbacks that keep the adventure moving at a fast pace and allow time for character development. The scenes offer another form of connection for anyone who was their own best friend, a little strange or had a big imagination growing up, since they show that her mother and Enola’s own mind were her only best friend. Because of this, Enola provides these viewers with the comfort that they are not alone. 

After Enola’s mother mysteriously disappears, her brothers try to force her into a finishing school that would teach her how to become a respectable young lady. After finding hidden messages from her mother, Enola takes her life into her own hands and runs off to solve the mystery of her disappearance.

On her journey, Enola meets a young boy, Viscount Tewksbury (Louis Partridge,) also on the run from his family’s expectations. 

The romance between Enola and Tewksbury shows an important change in the classic Disney storyline that so many young girls grew up watching. Instead of Cinderella being saved by Prince Charming, the brave damsel saves the prince in distress. 

The movie mentions many important movements in history, such as the women’s suffrage movement, the Reform Bill of 1884, sexist societal norms and general forms of feminism.

During the late 19th century, women and girls were expected to hold a particular persona. They wore elegant gowns with hip adjusters and corsets made of whale bone to accentuate their figure. Everything a lady did was done with an air of grace and organization; they were not to be disruptive, loud or draw attention to themselves.

Enola did not fit into any of these expectations. She was unapologetically herself and unafraid to veer from the path that her brothers attempted to put her on. 

The production of the film involved many moments where Enola looked into the camera and interacted with the audience, breaking the fourth wall. This tactic helped the viewer feel connected with the story and as though they were there alongside Enola. This allows many children to see themselves next to Enola, fighting social norms and learning to love who they are. 

This film is perfect for all ages. It encourages self reflection, self acceptance and pushes viewers to take action against the injustices occurring in the twenty-first century. A new generation of brave and confident people will be inspired from Enola Holmes’ journey to create their own future. Because, like Enola says, “Our future is up to us.”