EL 113 ACTIVITY 3:

FEMINIST
CRITICISM
Submitted by:
Lyza Rhane M. Lapastora
BSED ENGLISH 3-1

Ma’am Frincess T. Flores

Course Instructor
 ENOLA HOLMES
by Nancy Springer

"Enola Holmes" is a film adaptation of the young adult mystery novels by Nancy
Springer, particularly the first book in the series titled "The Case of the Missing
Marquess." Released in 2020, this Netflix original movie is a delightful blend of mystery,
adventure, and coming-of-age themes. The film is set in Victorian England and revolves
around the teenage sister of the famous detective Sherlock Holmes. Enola Holmes
(played by Millie Bobby Brown) is the younger sister of the brilliant Sherlock Holmes
(played by Henry Cavill) and his older brother, Mycroft Holmes (played by Sam Claflin).
She grows up in a somewhat unconventional household under the care of her free-spirited
and intelligent mother, Eudoria Holmes (played by Helena Bonham Carter). On her 16th
birthday, Enola discovers that her mother has disappeared under mysterious
circumstances, leaving behind a series of cryptic clues. Fearing that her mother is in
danger, Enola embarks on a quest to find her, defying the expectations of her
conservative brother Mycroft, who wants to send her to a finishing school for young
ladies. Enola's journey takes her to London, where she encounters a young Lord Viscount
Tewkesbury (played by Louis Partridge) who is also on the run from unknown assailants.
The two form an unlikely partnership as they uncover a larger conspiracy involving a
secret society called the "Suffragists" and a plot to assassinate Tewkesbury. Throughout
her adventure, Enola showcases her exceptional deductive skills, agility, and
resourcefulness, which she inherited from her famous brothers. She also questions
societal norms and expectations for women of her time, advocating for women's rights
and equality. As Enola inches closer to solving the mystery of her mother's disappearance
and thwarting the assassination plot, she also discovers the importance of forging her own
path and identity. She ultimately finds her mother, who explains her mission to fight for
women's rights and equality, inspiring Enola to continue her mother's work. The film
concludes with Enola solving the case, reconciling with her brothers, and choosing to
embrace her independence and unique abilities, setting the stage for potential future
adventures. "Enola Holmes" is a charming and empowering film that combines elements
of mystery, adventure, and social commentary while providing a fresh perspective on the
world of Sherlock Holmes through the eyes of his spirited younger sister, Enola. Millie
Bobby Brown's charismatic performance as the titular character adds to the film's appeal,
making it an enjoyable watch for audiences of all ages.

In "Enola Holmes," the interaction between men and women is shown as a reflection
of the societal expectations and standards of Victorian England. There were little options
for independence or pursuing one's own objectives for women during that time period,
and they were frequently expected to conform to traditional roles as spouses and mothers.
The protagonist of the movie, Enola, defies these expectations by showing wit, cunning,
and a desire to forge her own path. Her interactions with her brothers, Sherlock and
Mycroft, serve as an example of the conflict that exists between women's aspirations for
autonomy and the limitations of traditional masculinity. Eudoria, Enola's mother, is an
example of a person who actively fights for women's rights, serving as an example to her
daughter and highlighting the value of women's voices. The movie emphasizes the fight
for gender equality and the significance of letting go of prejudices and expectations in
order to create a more inclusive and just society through its characters and plot.The
movie depicts a culture in which men have traditionally exercised greater dominance and
control over women. Women are expected to comply to traditional norms, and their
options are restricted, which makes this clear. The film also features women who oppose
these power dynamics, though. The young protagonist Enola stands in for a new
generation of women who are assertive about their brains and independence. Eudoria, her
mother, is an influential lady who fights for women's rights. The traditional male
authority figures, on the other hand, are represented by Enola's brothers, Sherlock and
Mycroft, with Sherlock valuing and honoring Enola's skills and Mycroft standing for the
repressive patriarchal forces. The movie examines the changing power relationships and
the fight for gender equality throughout the Victorian era via these people. Men are
supposed to hold leadership roles, provide solutions to issues, and defend the status quo.
As a well-known detective, Sherlock Holmes personifies these qualities. His brother
Mycroft Holmes upholds traditional male norms and is a rigid, patriarchal figure. In
contrast, women are only allowed to play the roles of mothers and wives, and they are
supposed to put marriage, manners, and social conventions first. Enola, who breaks
tradition by embracing knowledge, independence, and a desire to make her own decisions,
represents a challenge to these positions in the movie. Eudoria, Enola's mother, goes
against conventional gender roles by fighting for women's rights. Through these
individuals, "Enola Holmes" emphasizes how gender roles changed during the Victorian
era and how important it is to resist established norms. This movie provides insight into
how patriarchy functions in several sectors of society. Economically, it illustrates how
women in the Victorian era frequently had restricted access to financial freedom and job
options. Politically, it demonstrates the lack of political representation and suffrage for
women. Socially, the movie highlights tight gender roles and societal norms that limited
women's options. "Enola Holmes" champions women's creativity as a powerfu
Mycroft's conservative views and Enola's struggle to break free from those expectations.
Overall, "Enola Holmes" highlights the pervasive and interconnected ways in which
patriarchy operated, shaping economic, political, social, and psychological aspects of
Victorian society and the challenges faced by those who sought to challenge these norms.
Enola is shown in the movie as a clever and imaginative young woman who uses her
imagination to overcome obstacles, unravel riddles, and claim her freedom. She
challenges typical gender stereotypes with her capacity to think outside the box and use
alternative strategies, which emphasizes the value of fostering and recognizing women's
creative potential. Eudoria, Enola's mother, further highlights the importance of women's
creativity by supporting women's rights and urging her daughter to respect her special
talents. The overall idea of "Enola Holmes" is that women's creativity is an essential and
transformational force that can change both their lives and society as a whole.

One of the primary concepts of the film "Enola Holmes"—among many other
important behavioral lessons—is the value of individuality, independence, and the quest
of justice. The journey of Enola is a potent illustration of the importance of staying true
to oneself despite pressures and expectations from society. She celebrates her knowledge,
inventiveness, and resourcefulness instead of adhering to conventional gender stereotypes.
By doing this, Enola shows how important it is for people to choose their own routes in
life, regardless of gender or accepted social mores. The movie also emphasizes the value
of standing up for justice and equality. Inspired by her mother's advocacy and her own
experiences, Enola develops into an advocate for women's rights. The value of speaking
out against injustice and utilizing one's skills to make a difference in the world is
demonstrated by her drive to unravel the mystery of her mother's abduction and shield
others from harm. The movie "Enola Holmes" also emphasizes how crucial family ties
and harmony are. The novel follows the development of Enola's relationships with her
brothers, particularly Sherlock. They learn to respect one other's viewpoints and strengths
despite their differences. In spite of arguments or misunderstandings, this highlights the
need of understanding, empathy, and unity within a family. A message of empowerment,
resilience, and the potential for good change in society and one's own life is finally
conveyed in this film, which also exhorts viewers to embrace their individuality, support
justice and equality, and cherish family ties.