Enola Holmes 3 is a 2026 mystery film and the third installment in the popular Netflix franchise, following Enola Holmes 2 (2022). The film stars Millie Bobby Brown, Louis Partridge, Sharon Duncan-Brewster, Henry Cavill, and a talented supporting cast. Directed by Philip Barantini, this marks the first film in the series not directed by Harry Bradbeer. The screenplay, written by Jack Thorne, tells an original story that is not based on Nancy Springer’s The Enola Holmes Mysteries book series.
The story once again follows Enola Holmes (Millie Bobby Brown), the younger sister of the legendary detective Sherlock Holmes. As Enola prepares for a new chapter in her personal life, Sherlock suddenly disappears, forcing her to put her wedding plans on hold and unravel another mystery. The film premiered on Netflix on July 1, 2026.
While the premise has potential, Enola Holmes 3 doesn’t quite capture the charm, wit, and excitement that made the first two films so enjoyable. Compared to its predecessors, this installment feels scaled back, with less energy and fewer memorable moments. Millie Bobby Brown once again delivers a strong and charismatic performance, effortlessly carrying much of the film. Unfortunately, the supporting characters aren’t given enough to do, making them feel underdeveloped and less impactful than in previous installments.
One of the film’s biggest disappointments is its portrayal of Sherlock Holmes. Known as one of literature’s greatest detectives, Sherlock is presented as surprisingly vulnerable and easily overpowered. This creative decision feels inconsistent with the character’s intelligence and resourcefulness, making it difficult to fully accept the direction the story takes.
The emotional side of the film also falls short. There’s little chemistry or emotional investment between Enola and her fiancé, making it hard to connect with their relationship. Likewise, the mystery itself lacks complexity. The investigation unfolds in a predictable manner, with few genuine twists or surprises, reducing the suspense that audiences have come to expect from the franchise.
Overall, Enola Holmes 3 is the weakest entry in the series. While it’s still an easy watch for fans who have followed Enola’s journey from the beginning, it never reaches the same level of excitement, heart, or clever storytelling as the first two films. Outside of wanting to complete the trilogy, there isn’t much here that makes this installment stand out.
Couple of Critics Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5)
Worth Watching? Only if you’re already a fan of the franchise. If you enjoyed the first two films, you’ll probably want to see how Enola’s story continues. However, if you’re expecting another clever mystery filled with memorable twists and the same magical chemistry that made the originals so entertaining, this sequel may leave you disappointed.
