Why Enola Holmes Is the Sherlock We Need Right Now
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Sherlock Holmes's younger sister certainly made a splash during her first adventure in Enola Holmes. The film, which premiered Sept. 23, follows Enola as she tries to solve the mystery of her missing mother while avoiding the life her brothers want her to live. By the end of the film, Mycroft merely washes his hands of Enola while Sherlock comes to realize the merits of the life his sister wants to lead and sees a little of himself in her. With the assumed blessing of Sherlock and a feminist head on her shoulders, Enola sets herself up for a future full of mysteries worthy of the Holmes name. Although Sherlock and Enola are very similar, there are a few traits that set them apart and make Enola Holmes such a refreshing adaptation.
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She Was Raised by Her Mother
In Enola Holmes, Mycroft and Sherlock leave shortly after the death of their father and Enola is raised by their mother. Eudoria teaches Enola what she needs to know of the world and tries to instill her daughter with a feminist outlook on life. As women in the 19th century, they're only seen as potential brides and mothers — something that is further seen by Mycroft's misogynistic views. Being raised by her mother also teaches her how to deal with others and actually accept her emotions, something which Sherlock is famously not great at.
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She Developed Her Methods of Deduction at a Young Age
Although it's not mentioned in Enola Holmes, Sherlock didn't hone his deductive skills until he was an undergraduate. Meanwhile Enola is merely 16 when she begins to fine tune hers. By starting at a young age, not only can Enola learn from Sherlock's mistakes, she's also able to get a head-start on her career. Beyond this, Enola serves as a role model for young people who are looking to venture out on their own and forge their own path.
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She Actually Forms Relationships With Others
At the beginning of Enola Holmes, Enola is happy being alone. Much like her elder brother Sherlock, she's not one to socialize. However, once she's out in the world and finds out there are like-minded individuals, her outlook changes. She becomes close with Lord Tewksbury and although it's uncertain whether they'll see each other again, it's highly likely she'll seek out other friends like herself.