Enola Holmes and Feminism
Feminism. A word, when I Google it, that is defined as “the advocacy of women's rights on the basis of the equality of the sexes.” In traditional film, a lot of roles capture the essence of a dominant male role. In the traditional Sherlock Holmes series, a male dominated cast of characters serves the spotlight: Sherlock, Watson, Mycroft, Moriarty, Lestrade. With the exception of Irene Adler’s appearances, the viewer (or reader, in the original books) doesn’t see these boundaries broken. Which makes sense, considering the original Sherlock Holmes series was written in England during the late 19th century. With a modern age comes an updated set of social norms & rules. Despite being far from perfection, our society today has seen improvement in how women are portrayed in culture. Released September 23, Enola Holmes serves as a reminder of this uprising of female vigor. I wouldn’t say it’s perfect either, but the Netflix movie has a lot of value to take in.
From the very beginning, we’re given that Enola read backwards is the word alone. As the introduction progresses, we see our main lead (played by Milly Bobby Brown) proving her abilities to the audience, rather producing an avant-garde persona that continues to fuel empowerment. Following the disappearance of her mother, with the arrival of Sherlock & Mycroft, we see this side of her suppressed, the behavior of a young girl in this time period not appropriate or suitable. The story could have ended there. Let’s say Mycroft sent Enola off to be disciplined, she becomes a staple young woman of society, and the story ends. The gem in this movie is the persistent attitude of our main character, which I think truly shines a light on the idea of feminism. Instead of complying with Mycroft’s terms, Enola rather escapes. A liberation that screams individuality, and radiates resistance.
Even later, when Lord Tewkesbury is introduced, Enola maintains her character, not changing in the presence of a male. There is the sprout of a relationship that remains true to its core, as opposed to Tewekesbury veiling his friendship with a typical 19th century viewpoint on women. According to the British Library, women in Victorian England generally “...inhabited what Victorians thought of as ‘separate spheres’”... a definition of the ‘natural’ characteristics of women and men.” As women were considered to be more fit for domestic activities, the opportunities for work and especially suffrage were out of question. Tewkesbury’s attitude towards Enola, as if a barrier didn’t exist between them, stimulates equality in the context of the time period, somewhat of a gem considering the implied norms.
When Tewkesbury and Enola go their separate ways, our main heroine travels London in search of her mother. It is here where Enola makes a departure from her usual personato blend into the higher standards of society expected for ladies. Initially dressed as a boy for disguise purposes, we see Enola now wear the typical attire worn in Victorian era fashion for women. Even in a modest dress, Enola still proves to be the badass femme figure with her character and, of course, karate skills. The appeal in this part of the movie, when Enola is in London, is not really about clothes. It transcends to the feeling of independence that I think is something to relate to. Maintaining the same individualistic mentality that Enola proves makes the key point in the story line alluring to viewers. No, it isn’t feminist propaganda. Well, maybe a little bit. But the film does gently nudge at the cultivation of independence and empowerment.
Can it be a bit over the top at times and dramatic with the point trying to be made? Sure. I’ve seen various criticisms of the film. The Guardian notes that Enola doesn’t achieve detective activities expected. I can see that. The film isn’t a part of the original Sherlock series, it strays from the purpose of solving a mystery. Enola’s mother is missing, true. But aside from the dominant message of Enola being a girl going on an adventure, it makes sense why some appeal could be lost. Yet, the ultimate message that gleams brings a fresh perspective to the table of Sherlock and Mycroft Holmes. Introducing change into a familiar scene feels like a breath of fresh air.
Without (hopefully) spoiling too much of the film, I’ll try to leave you with a conclusion to my commentary on Enola Holmes. The viewers witness a production of independence, individuality, free-spirit, or whatever other synonym you’d like to choose. Enola strives to stay true to herself. Cliches aside, it is a wholesome message for teenage girls watching to take away. With the constant presence of male characters, our femme nourishes autheniticity into the arms of the audience. Not molding into an ideal woman of the Victorian era, but a genuine embodiment of bona fide. Enola was unapologetic about her true self throughout the whole film. Whether with her really cool martial arts skills, or the way she remained strong, we’re coaxed into the stoic message of (you guessed it) being yourself. Resonating ideals of feminism.