OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author’s opinion.

When it comes to the Enola Holmes series, fans are always eager to see how Sherlock Holmes, portrayed by Henry Cavill, and his brilliant younger sister Enola, played by Millie Bobby Brown, work together to solve mysteries. While Sherlock may be the renowned detective, it’s clear that in Enola Holmes 2, the roles between the two siblings take an interesting and refreshing turn, making for an unforgettable on-screen dynamic.

A New Dynamic in Enola Holmes 2
In the first Enola Holmes film, Cavill’s Sherlock was portrayed as the reluctant older brother, initially uninterested in taking responsibility for his younger sister, Enola. But when Enola ran off in search of their missing mother, Sherlock’s protective instincts kicked in. While Sherlock helped Enola, it was clear she was the one with the spark of curiosity and the drive to solve her own mysteries.

However, in Enola Holmes 2, the sibling dynamic shifts in a significant way. As Cavill revealed during a cast Q&A at the New York premiere, his favorite aspect of the film was the “role reversal” between the two characters. “In the first movie, it’s Sherlock trying his best to circumvent society in his own way to be a catalyst for Enola’s decision-making,” Cavill explained. “And in this one, Enola has already spread her wings very much, and she’s helping Sherlock. She’s guiding him. That was my favorite piece of all of this — it’s a huge role reversal of the older sibling being helped by the younger one.”

A Subtle Shift in Power

This role reversal brings an exciting twist to the Enola Holmes story. While Sherlock has always been the star detective, Enola’s growth throughout the first film sets the stage for her to step into a guiding role in the second. As she takes on more responsibility, Enola becomes the one with the experience, helping Sherlock navigate challenges, solve problems, and sometimes even make decisions he wouldn’t have on his own. It’s a delightful inversion of expectations and an empowering moment for both characters.

Millie Bobby Brown also weighed in on the sibling dynamic, sharing that there were times when both she and Cavill needed some guidance to fully capture the sibling relationship on-screen. In tense scenes, they would often find themselves battling over their differences, with director Harry Bradbeer reminding them to tap into their familial bond rather than playing enemies. “Harry would come in and go, ‘You are related. You are blood. Be nice to each other. Settle down,’” Brown laughed.

Working Together as a Team

As the film progresses, the two Holmes siblings learn to collaborate more effectively, proving that their combined minds make them an unstoppable team. The evolving relationship between Sherlock and Enola is one of the most compelling aspects of Enola Holmes 2, and Cavill and Brown’s performances highlight the deep bond between the characters, even when they’re working through their differences.

This shift in their dynamic not only strengthens the overall story but also adds a new layer to Sherlock’s character. For once, he’s not the one with all the answers—he’s learning from his younger sister, and in doing so, he shows a more vulnerable side. Cavill’s ability to showcase this growth in Sherlock while still maintaining his character’s iconic intelligence and charm makes his performance even more captivating.

The Power of Sibling Relationships

At its heart, Enola Holmes 2 is a story about family, growth, and the power of teamwork. The role reversal between Sherlock and Enola showcases the importance of both siblings supporting one another, regardless of age. As Cavill said, “Enola has already spread her wings,” and now it’s time for her to help guide Sherlock on his journey.

Fans of the Enola Holmes series will no doubt love seeing the Holmes siblings not just solving mysteries together but growing as individuals and as family. It’s a rare and refreshing portrayal of sibling dynamics that shows that no matter how successful or skilled someone may be, there’s always room for growth—and sometimes, the younger sibling has the wisdom to help guide the older one. Enola Holmes 2 proves that even the great Sherlock Holmes can learn a thing or two from his little sister.