The release of Enola Holmes 3 on Netflix on July 1, 2026, marked another chapter in Millie Bobby Brown’s portrayal of the iconic Sherlock Holmes’ sister. This installment delves into a more mature phase of Enola’s life, featuring her marriage to Lord Tewkesbury. While the film retains its signature empowering and adventurous storyline, viewers have been distracted by what they perceive as historical inaccuracies in the glam and costuming.
The film’s trailer, released in April, showcased Enola sporting a natural 2026 manicure with almond-shaped Aprés Gel-X extensions and a lace-front wig that some viewers found poorly applied. Critics also took issue with Enola’s off-the-shoulder wedding gown and veil, joking that the film didn’t try to make the wedding dress look like it belonged to the 19th century.
Millie Bobby Brown Responds to Criticism
Millie Bobby Brown, who has produced all three Enola films since 2026, addressed the criticism in an interview with the BBC following the movie’s release. She expressed her frustration with the focus on her appearance, stating, “It’s so boring. I’m like, guys, come on. Like, just enjoy the artistry of the work.” She further emphasized that she doesn’t nitpick other projects, adding, “I’m not the kind of girl to be, ‘Oh my God, did you see the way that wig was laid?’”.
Regarding the reaction to her manicure and hairstyling choices, Millie commented, “I wasn’t disappointed…but again, the internet does not surprise me these days.”. Despite her defense, the criticism highlights a broader issue with period pieces and modern beauty standards.
The Challenge of Historical Accuracy in Period Pieces
The Enola Holmes series, based on Nancy Springer’s book franchise written in the 2000s but set in 19th-century Victorian-era England, tackles historical themes such as women’s suffrage, labor rights, and the British Empire. While Millie rightly emphasizes the importance of the narrative, viewers argue that historical accuracy is crucial for maintaining the story’s integrity.
One critic noted, “Period pieces fail the second modern beauty standards leak in. Audiences read authenticity through tiny details now.” Another viewer pointed out, “If a detail takes you out of the illusion or story then it’s a problem.” This debate extends beyond Enola Holmes 3, affecting other period pieces as well.
Comparisons with Other Period Pieces
Greta Gerwig’s 2019 adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women set in the 1860s, also faced criticism for its lack of historical accuracy, particularly the absence of bonnets and aprons during the American Civil War. Similarly, Emerald Fennell’s 2026 adaptation of Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights was criticized for its costuming, which some claimed didn’t follow the original piece’s historical elements.
Even Bridgerton which is set in a modernized version of the Regency era, has been scrutinized for its historical inaccuracies. Viewers notice details like Jacob Elordi’s fake sideburns and Nicola Coughlin’s wispy lash inserts and layers of glowy Pat McGrath blush. However, Bridgerton is a fictional series meant to sell a fantasy, and Fennell never claimed her adaptation of Wuthering Heights would be historically accurate.
The Importance of Historical Accuracy
Despite the liberties taken with certain aspects of the story, Enola Holmes remains a period piece at its core, building off the Sherlock Holmes universe created in the 1800s. Millie should be defending her character beyond her appearance, as there is so much more to women than their looks. However, her approach didn’t resonate with viewers who are concerned about the lack of historical accuracy that undermines the story’s integrity.
Viewers aren’t wrong to advocate for historical pieces to be treated with the preservation and care they deserve. These stories are adapted time and time again because of their timeless themes and legacies, from the March sisters’ coming-of-age to Sherlock Holmes’s enduring influence through his sister, Enola.
