u/This-Evening2278

I loved this movie. I thought it’s the best out of all three. I know, that is a little bit of a hot take. Let’s discuss what I loved about this movie and my responses to the many criticisms.

I loved the more mature tone of Enola and Tewkesbury’s relationship. Their chemistry is amazing. Just watch him braiding her hair! 🥵 ❤️ I love that they got a happy ending and got married. They deserved it. I loved their romance. 🥰 💝

I loved all the action sequences. Enola going into the burning hotel to save Tewkesbury, all her fight scenes with Moriarty, etc.

I liked what they did with Eudoria. She is now more in Enola’s life. I loved that they gave her character some humor and quirks.

I liked what they did with Watson. I think he is there for emotional support and as a mentor. Especially when he explained to Enola his relationship with Sherlock with his efforts to talk to him about his latest case over tea. Also love when he comforted Tewkesbury after learning the tragic news about his father in the Battle of Khost.

I loved the progression of Enola and Sherlock’s relationship. I loved Sherlock’s progression as he was pretty emotional at the end. Something you wouldn’t expect Sherlock Holmes to do. I just love their relationship.

I honestly liked the change in scenery at Malta. I found it a refreshing change of pace away from urban London and to the deserty Malta.

I liked the mystery itself. I loved that Sherlock’s kidnapping wasn’t the only mystery as Moriarty wouldn’t only do that. Her objectives were far greater with the Afghan gold.

Here are some common criticisms:

Moriarty being a Black woman: That is basically what revolves around her motivations. In the Victorian era, being a Black woman was always looked down upon, and because of that, she uses crime to gain more control. Also, her anger does involve hypocrisy after she first met Eudoria. Also, remember her quote “Without power, we women must rely on our wits for our fortune.” Also, she was a great villain as she was a greater threat to both Sherlock and Enola than they both experienced.

Not being historically accurate and being too modern: I don’t understand this criticism. All their outfits WERE very historically accurate. There was also criticism of Enola (Millie) having too much makeup on her face and nails or her wearing Ugg boots. Bro, it’s a movie. One: they’re not that noticeable, and two: I don’t think this is the first period drama that did this with the actors.

Sherlock reduced to a damsel in distress: I mean, yes, he was kidnapped and in need of rescue, but that doesn’t mean he lost all his agency and was reduced to a prop or plot device. One: he continued investigating even when he was kidnapped and spoke out his findings in front of Moriarty. Two: he made Moriarty promise Lady Tewkesbury water. Three: even after rescued by Enola, he ended up rescuing her too at the end after Moriarty kept beating her up. Sherlock was never a helpless victim. He still had agency.

There might be more, but my point is, this movie may be a little overhated. Granted, there are still many people who enjoy and love Enola Holmes 3, but I bet those haters are just haters just for the sake of it that nitpicks every single detail instead of enjoying the movie for what it is.