The trailer for Netflix’s adaptation of Nancy Springer’s The Enola Holmes Mysteries has been released, starring Millie Bobby Brown in the titular role and earning her a first producing credit.
Enola Holmes is the latest in a long line of films and series to draw inspiration from Arthur Conan Doyle’s original works. However, this adaptation of Springer’s YA novels switches the narrative, putting Sherlock and Mycroft’s teenage sister Enola at the forefront.
Bearing a star-studded cast, the trailer opens with Millie Bobby Brown as Enola, with Henry Cavill and Sam Claflin taking on the roles of the famous Holmes brothers. Addressing the camera and immediately breaking the fourth wall, Bobby Brown narrates the events of the film. Starting by describing the close relationship she has with her mother (Helena Bonham-Carter), we get a montage of the two of them partaking in activities such as fencing, science experiments and playing tennis inside – all not quite what would have been expected from an upper class Victorian woman and her daughter.
This idea of breaking the mould is a theme carried throughout the trailer, and Bobby Brown explains in a recent interview with Glamour that “the broader message is touching on female empowerment.” The film follows Enola as she searches for her missing mother, recruiting her detective brother (Henry Cavill) for help in her endeavours. The Holmes brothers, especially Mycroft (Sam Claflin), horrified at Enola’s lack of decorum, attempt to shape her into their idea of a respectable young girl. In an act of rebellion against their ideas, Enola goes on the run, evading her brothers by disguising herself as the perfect Victorian lady – all whilst learning and executing some top-notch self defence skills. Overall, she appears quite the kick-ass teenage detective.
The release of the trailer has brought people’s attention to the legal issues currently surrounding the film. Back in June, the estate of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle issued a copyright lawsuit attempting to sue Netflix for the portrayal of Sherlock Holmes in this film. As of the late noughties, the majority of Doyle’s work is in the public domain, however there are 10 stories involving Sherlock that are still legally property of the Doyle estate. These stories were written by Doyle after experiencing tragic loss during the First World War: it was therefore his decision to make Holmes less analytical, and develop his emotional side.
It is the claim of the Doyle estate, that the version of Sherlock portrayed in Enola Holmes is drawn from this later work that is still protected under copyright. So, they are attempting to argue that Cavill’s Sherlock is too nice, and caring, specifically they have complained that he reacts with ‘warmth and emotion,’ towards Enola – seen in the trailer when he defends her to Mycroft.
Conan Doyle made the surprising artistic decision to have his most famous character—known around the world as a brain without a heart—develop into a character with a heart. Holmes became warmer. He became capable of friendship. He could express emotion. He began to respect women.
Complaint from the Doyle estate
In this rather abstract legal case, the estate of Conan Doyle is not only suing Netflix, but author Nancy Springer and her publisher Penguin Random House. Although, considering the imminent release of the film, it may be fair to argue that Netflix aren’t too concerned about the bizarre lawsuit succeeding.
Enola Holmes will be available to stream on UK Netflix from 23 September.
Words by Matilda Head
Support The Indiependent
We’re trying to raise £200 a month to help cover our operational costs. This includes our ‘Writer of the Month’ awards, where we recognise the amazing work produced by our contributor team. If you’ve enjoyed reading our site, we’d really appreciate it if you could donate to The Indiependent. Whether you can give £1 or £10, you’d be making a huge difference to our small team.