Plot Explained Spoilers guaranteed!
Plot Explained

Browse by genre

Enola Holmes (2020) movie poster

Characters & Themes

Enola Holmes (2020) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language
2020 · 123 min · English
Echo score 85
Loading streaming availability…
Directed by
Harry Bradbeer
Starring
Adeel Akhtar, Henry Cavill, Millie Bobby Brown, Helena Bonham Carter, David Bamber, Louis Partridge
Budget
$20M

In 1884 England, as social change looms, sixteen-year-old Enola Holmes disappears from her birthday, leaving behind puzzling clues from her mother. Fleeing her brothers' attempts to force her into a conventional life, Enola embarks on a journey and becomes entangled in a compelling mystery involving the disappearance of a young nobleman, Lord Edgar. Using her intelligence and resourcefulness, she challenges her famous brothers, Sherlock and Mycroft, while uncovering a dangerous conspiracy with far-reaching consequences.

On this page (9)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Characters explained (7)
  3. 3 Where & when it takes place
  4. 4 Themes & meaning (3)
  5. 5 Character & meaning questions
  6. 6 The book behind the movie
  7. 7 Movie threads
  8. 8 Movies like Enola Holmes
  9. 9 Every angle
Loading streaming availability…

7 main characters · contains spoilers

Enola Holmes Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of Enola Holmes (2020), heroes and villains: what drives them, how they change over the course of the story and what each of them reveals about the film's bigger ideas.

  • Enola Holmes

    played by Millie Bobby Brown

    Enola Holmes, the protagonist, is a sharp and resourceful young woman, eager to carve her own path in a male-dominated world. With a mix of wit and skill, she defies societal expectations while seeking her mother’s whereabouts. Her journey portrays a compelling blend of naivety and profound intelligence.

    • 🕵️‍♀️ Detective
    • 🌟 Protagonist
    • 👩‍🎓 Independent
  • Sherlock Holmes

    played by Henry Cavill

    Sherlock Holmes is Enola's elder brother, a celebrated detective recognized for his keen intellect and analytical prowess. His relationship with Enola is initially strained, as he views her as a burden; however, he gradually recognizes her potential. Sherlock represents the established order that Enola seeks to challenge.

    • 🧠 Genius
    • 🕵️ Detective
    • 🏆 Sibling
  • Tewkesbury

    played by Louis Partridge

    Tewkesbury, the young Viscount, is initially seen as naive, yet he embodies courage and resourcefulness. His journey alongside Enola illuminates his growth as he learns to face danger and assert his identity. Their partnership shifts from one of dependence to mutual respect and support.

    • 🧑‍🐉 Nobility
    • 🌿 Ally
    • ❤️ Supportive
  • Mycroft Holmes

    played by Sam Claflin

    Mycroft Holmes is the pragmatic and somewhat condescending elder brother of Enola, who lacks the emotional depth of his siblings. He sees Enola as a responsibility and wishes to impose traditional expectations on her, which leads to conflict as Enola resists his control.

    • 👔 Authority
    • 🤔 Rational
    • 🏛️ Burden
  • Eudoria Holmes

    played by Helena Bonham Carter

    Eudoria Holmes is Enola’s mother, a progressive thinker and activist involved in the suffragette movement. Her disappearance is the catalyst for Enola's quest, reflecting a complex relationship that encapsulates both maternal love and the desire for independence.

    • 🧘‍♀️ Activist
    • 💖 Mother
    • 💪 Independent
  • Linthorn

    played by Burn Gorman

    Linthorn serves as the primary antagonist, a man who poses a significant threat to Tewkesbury’s life. His ruthless pursuit and menacing demeanor contrast with the more empathetic characters, heightening the stakes of Enola’s journey.

    • 👮‍♂️ Villain
    • 🔪 Threat
    • 🥊 Dangerous
  • Lestrade

    played by Adeel Akhtar

    Inspector Lestrade is a Scotland Yard detective who plays a pivotal role in the pursuit of Enola. His interactions with Sherlock reflect traditional law enforcement methods clashing with Enola's unconventional detective style.

    • 🕵️‍♂️ Detective
    • ⚖️ Law
    • 🎩 Authority

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 18:53

Was this helpful?

Setting

Where and When Does Enola Holmes Take Place?

The setting of Enola Holmes (2020): the year and time period, the places and locations, and how they shape the characters, the mood and the tension of the story.

Time period

Victorian Era

Set during the Victorian Era, a period marked by major industrial, cultural, political, scientific, and military changes in the United Kingdom, the film reflects the evolving roles of women and societal expectations of the time. This era also witnessed the early suffragette movement, which is explored through Enola's quest and her mother's involvement.

Location

London, Basilwether Hall, Covent Garden

The film is primarily set in London, a bustling metropolis known for its historical significance and vibrant culture. Basilwether Hall, the family estate of Tewkesbury, showcases the opulence of the British aristocracy, while Covent Garden serves as a lively market area where Enola encounters new challenges and opportunities.

  • 🏙️ City
  • 🏰 Estate
  • 🌸 Market

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 18:53

Was this helpful?

3 major themes

Enola Holmes Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is Enola Holmes (2020) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

  • Independence

    A central theme in 'Enola Holmes' is the quest for independence, particularly for women. Enola defies traditional gender roles, using her intelligence and skills to navigate a world that tries to confine her. Her journey highlights the importance of self-discovery and empowerment, advocating for personal freedom in the face of societal constraints.

  • Family

    The theme of family plays a crucial role, as Enola's search for her mother drives the narrative. The complex dynamics among Enola, Mycroft, and Sherlock reveal differing perceptions of family responsibilities. Ultimately, the bond between mother and daughter underscores the importance of understanding, support, and the courage to pursue one’s own path.

  • Courage

    Courage is a vital theme in the story, demonstrated by Enola as she faces various adversities. Whether confronting societal norms or physical threats, her bravery in protecting herself and Tewkesbury showcases a commendable resilience. The film portrays how courage can manifest in different forms, be it through mental strength or physical action.

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 18:53

Was this helpful?

Character & theme questions

Enola Holmes Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about Enola Holmes (2020): who the characters really are, their relationships, what the symbols mean, where it takes place and what the movie is really about. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Where is Enola Holmes set?

The film is primarily set in London, with key scenes also taking place at Basilwether Hall, the luxurious estate of the aristocratic Tewkesbury family, and Covent Garden, a bustling market area where Enola encounters important clues and challenges.

  • london
  • basilwether hall
  • covent garden
  • setting
  • british aristocracy
Q2

What time period is Enola Holmes set in?

The film is set during the Victorian Era in 1884 England, a period marked by significant social, industrial, and political transformation in Britain.

  • victorian era
  • 1884
  • time period
  • historical setting
  • england
Q3

What are the main themes in Enola Holmes?

The film explores three central themes: independence, as Enola defies traditional gender roles to forge her own path; family, particularly her complex relationship with her mother and brothers; and courage, demonstrated through her physical and emotional resilience against societal and physical threats.

  • independence
  • family
  • courage
  • themes
  • feminism
  • suffragette
Q4

Who is Enola Holmes?

Enola Holmes is the protagonist, a sharp and resourceful sixteen-year-old woman who embarks on a journey to find her missing mother while challenging the restrictive social expectations placed on women in Victorian England.

  • enola holmes
  • protagonist
  • main character
  • millie bobby brown
Q5

Who are Sherlock and Mycroft in Enola Holmes?

Sherlock Holmes is Enola's elder brother, a famous detective known for his brilliant analytical mind who initially underestimates his sister. Mycroft is the eldest brother, a pragmatic and controlling figure who represents the patriarchal expectations Enola must resist, wanting to send her to boarding school to be properly 'finished.'

  • sherlock holmes
  • mycroft holmes
  • brothers
  • henry cavill
  • sam claflin
Q6

Who is Tewkesbury in Enola Holmes?

Tewkesbury is the young Viscount Basilwether, a naïve aristocrat who becomes Enola's ally as she investigates a conspiracy threatening his life. His character arc shows significant growth from dependence to courage and self-identity.

  • tewkesbury
  • viscount
  • louis partridge
  • young aristocrat
Q7

Who is Enola's mother Eudoria?

Eudoria Holmes is Enola's mother and a progressive thinker involved in the suffragette movement. Her mysterious disappearance on Enola's sixteenth birthday sets the entire narrative in motion, and her actions reflect the film's themes of women's quest for independence.

  • eudoria holmes
  • mother
  • suffragette
  • helena bonham carter
Q8

What role does the suffragette movement play in the film?

The suffragette movement背景 is woven throughout the film as Eudoria's activism and serves as a historical context for Enola's struggle against Victorian gender expectations. The era's early feminist movements provide the cultural backdrop for Enola's journey toward independence and self-discovery.

  • suffragette
  • feminist movement
  • victorian women
  • gender roles
Q9

Who is the antagonist Linthorn?

Linthorn serves as the film's primary antagonist, a dangerous man who pursues and threatens Tewkesbury's life. His menacing presence creates the central threat that drives much of the action and suspense in the story.

  • linthorn
  • antagonist
  • burn gorman
  • villain
  • threat
Q10

What is Basilwether Hall?

Basilwether Hall is the ancestral estate of the Tewkesbury family, representing the opulence and rigid social hierarchy of the British aristocracy. The hall serves as a key location where Enola investigates the conspiracy surrounding Lord Edgar's disappearance.

  • basilwether hall
  • estate
  • aristocracy
  • british manor
Q11

How does the Victorian setting affect Enola's story?

The Victorian setting fundamentally shapes Enola's challenges, as the era's strict social codes and limited opportunities for women create the obstacles she must overcome. The period's tension between traditional values and emerging progressive movements mirrors Enola's internal conflict between conformity and independence.

  • victorian society
  • gender expectations
  • social constraints
  • historical context

Movie threads

More Movies Like Enola Holmes, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Enola Holmes tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Rebellious historical adventures like Enola Holmes

Spirited heroes challenge societal norms in fast-paced historical settings. If you enjoyed the spirited rebellion of Enola Holmes, you'll love these movies. This collection features clever heroes in historical settings who break conventions, embark on daring quests, and challenge the status quo with energy and wit, perfect for fans of empowering period adventures.

  • rebellious
  • adventurous
  • hopeful
  • empowering
  • witty
  • historical
  • Tone: hopeful, adventurous
  • Pacing: fast, energetic
Why these movies?

The story pattern: Stories in this thread typically follow a young, intelligent protagonist navigating a restrictive historical society. Their journey involves breaking free from convention, often through a mystery or adventure, leading to self-discovery and a triumphant assertion of their own identity against powerful opposition.

Why they belong together: Movies are grouped here for their shared core of a hopeful, rebellious spirit set in the past. They combine the appeal of a period setting with a modern, energetic pace and a focus on characters who empower themselves and the audience by challenging authority.

Witty teen detective mysteries like Enola Holmes

Sharp young detectives solve compelling cases with charm and intelligence. For viewers who liked the clever mystery-solving in Enola Holmes, this section highlights similar films. Discover stories featuring sharp-witted teenage detectives who outsmart adults, unravel compelling puzzles, and embark on adventurous investigations, all with a dose of charm and quick thinking.

  • quirky
  • empowering
  • mysterious
  • adventurous
  • witty
  • clever
  • Tone: hopeful, quirky
  • Pacing: fast, engaging
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative pattern involves a bright, often unconventional teenager taking on an adult-sized mystery. The investigation is interwoven with their own coming-of-age struggles, creating a dual plot where solving the case also means solving a personal problem, leading to a satisfying and happy resolution.

Why they belong together: These movies share a specific blend of a MODERATE complexity mystery plot, a MEDIUM emotional weight that touches on teenage themes, and a consistently HOPEFUL tone. The combination of a FAST pace, witty dialogue, and an empowering central character arc creates a unique and cohesive viewing experience.

If you liked this

Movies Like Enola Holmes

Similar movies to Enola Holmes: the same genre, themes or kind of story. Each one comes with its own plot summary, timeline and ending explained.

Browse all movie summaries

Every angle

Enola Holmes (2020) Explained: Plot, Ending, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Enola Holmes in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning, the ending explained and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Movie Summary App

Plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Catch up on any movie in minutes, save your favorites and never miss a twist again.

Be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private, always.

Learn more about the app