Enola Holmes 2, Netflix's recently released hit sequel film, features the return of Henry Cavill as Sherlock Holmes. The actor plays a more relaxed and caring version of Sherlock, especially compared to other recent portrayals like Benedict Cumberbatch in the BBC's Sherlock and Robert Downey Jr. in Guy Ritchie's films.
Still, Cavill captures Holmes' essence perfectly. It's not easy to step into the shoes of literature's greatest detective, but Cavill is up to the task and comes out victorious. And while he is definitely playing a more modernized version meant to appeal to younger generations, Cavill still nails Sherlock's most important and famous character traits.
Sherlock's Stoicism
Sherlock Holmes is famous for his serious and unbreakable facade. He seldom shows any emotion, preferring to adopt a stoic attitude that prevents people from wanting to get closer. Even when he does get affected by what he sees or hears, Sherlock remains cold and distant, never allowing others to see any potential cracks.
Cavill does a fantastic job portraying Sherlock's stoicism. He is an actor famous for his serious and somewhat unemotional characters, from Superman to Geralt of Rivia, so he had no problem playing up Sherlock's unflappable persona. Still, he manages to make his Holmes engaging and sympathetic, despite his stoic demeanor.
Sherlock's Analytical Nature
Enola Holmes is full of intelligent characters; the Holmeses are a family of geniuses, after all. However, Sherlock ranks above everyone because of his highly analytical and observant nature. Sherlock sees what others can't, paying extreme attention to details and building entire scenes and situations in his head out of the smallest bits of information.
Cavill incorporates this into his performance. As soon as his Sherlock enters a room, he's already scouting every corner and looking for evidence. It's a physical choice that involves him turning around and silently assessing a character or situation, but it's perfectly in keeping with Sherlock's famously curious nature.
Sherlock's Intelligence
Netflix changed lots about the Enola Holmes novel, but Sherlock's intellect remained the same. It's arguably the most crucial quality about the character — Sherlock Holmes must be absurdly intelligent, even if there's someone more intelligent than him.
In most stories, that someone is his older brother, Mycroft. However, the Enola Holmes movies make Enola the rival to Sherlock's intelligence. Even so, Holmes remains London's prime detective, and scenes like him deciphering Moriarty's code prove how brilliant he is.
Sherlock's Arrogance
Among Sherlock's many flaws, few are more prominent or noticeable than his absurdly large ego. Sherlock is utterly convinced of his superiority and brilliance, mainly because everyone around him seems to agree with him. He is vain and self-absorbed, even if his vanity doesn't always translate to his physical appearance.
Cavill's Sherlock is haughty and distant. He walks as if everyone knows who he is because everyone does. He is confident and treats others with thinly-veiled contempt, even if he doesn't necessarily dislike them. Cavill's take on Sherlock might not be as rude as other portrayals, but he's still conceited and unbothered by other people's opinions.
Sherlock's Notorious Vices
Despite being extremely intelligent, Sherlock has severe substance abuse issues. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's stories and all of the best Sherlock Holmes movies portray him as heavily abusing tobacco and cocaine. He is also famous for using morphine and opium and indulging in alcohol.
Because the Enola Holmes movies are meant for a broader audience, Sherlock's notorious vices are toned down. However, the films still show him as a smoker and an over-drinker, and Cavill doesn't shy away from Sherlock's demons. One memorable scene in the sequel features Enola rescuing him from a bar, and Cavill relishes the chance to play a sillier side to the famous detective.
Sherlock's Mercurial Personality
The Holmes siblings are very complicated. However, Sherlock outranks everyone when it comes to a fickle personality. Mycroft is usually level-headed, and the films portray Enola as cool, if slightly immature. But Sherlock is more mercurial, with his constantly changing personality that makes it hard to understand him.
Holmes' erratic personality is front and center in Cavill's performance. Although he is less extravagant than other takes on the detective, Cavill's Sherlock is still mercurial, particularly toward Enola. He lacks the patience to deal with her, although he recognizes her brilliance and potential. The result is a complicated and entertaining dynamic, where Sherlock tries and fails to find common ground with his sister.
Sherlock's Emotional Immaturity
Sherlock Holmes might arguably be the smartest man in England, but his intellect doesn't translate to emotional intelligence. In fact, Sherlock is very emotionally immature, often misunderstanding basic emotions. He's also utterly incapable of empathy and fails to relate to other people's feelings.
Enola Holmes and its sequel see Cavill adopt a clumsy and somewhat robotic approach to Sherlock's behavior. He tries to comfort Enola but doesn't know what to say and settles for a patronizing tone. Sherlock is clueless about emotions, and Cavill does a perfect and rather funny job portraying that.
Sherlock's Obsessive Behavior
Being a great detective means pursuing a case until the mystery is resolved. This relentless quality usually means most of pop culture's greatest detectives are very obsessive, and no one is more so than Sherlock Holmes. He will not rest, sleep, or eat if a case is eluding him, often living in disarray because he can't think of anything other than the mystery.
Enola Holmes 2 features this crucial aspect of Sherlock's persona. As he wrestles with the mystery of Moriarty, Sherlock is frustrated, continuously looking at his board of clues and trying to find the solution. Cavill goes all-in to portray Sherlock's obsession, and his slightly hectic performance is perfect to further humanize the character.
Sherlock's Solitude
It's said that geniuses often walk a solitary path, and Sherlock Holmes proves it. The character is notoriously difficult to treat, with few characters succeeding in relating to him. Holmes is only close to Watson and his older brother, Mycroft, with certain characters like Irene Adler also leaving a mark on him.
The Sherlock in Enola Holmes is much lonelier than any other version. He doesn't have Watson or Mycroft and lives alone in his messy apartment. The sequel sees him form a bond with Enola and ends with Watson's arrival, but Sherlock spends most of the film alone with his own devices. Cavill plays Sherlock's loneliness as something he's used to but doesn't necessarily enjoy, as proven by his willingness to welcome Watson into his life.
Sherlock's Softer Side
Most stories and films focus on Sherlock's tough exterior. He is rude, condescending, vain, and calculating, keeping everyone at a distance. Many people believe Sherlock has no emotions, and while untrue, he does keep them extremely guarded, saving them for only a select few.
Enola Holmes follows suit, presenting a version of Sherlock that only allows himself to be vulnerable around his little sister. Cavill shows a certain warmth and gentleness around Enola that he doesn't exhibit with anyone else. It's a nice touch, and a great way to establish both characters are equals, not to mention the perfect choice to distinguish Cavill's take on Sherlock from the many others throughout history.