In Feminism, Enola is Not Alone
In Feminism, Enola is Not Alone
By: Tristan Jay Pinca
It was 23rd of September when the film “Enola Holmes” was released on Netflix, directed by Harry Bradbeer. It is based on the novel written by Nancy Springer. "Enola Holmes", portrayed by Millie Bobby Brown, is a revisionist, valorous and free-spirited younger sister of the infamous detective "Sherlock Holmes". Her name "Enola" is spelled "alone" backwards, which is the evidence of her mother's (Eudoria) love on ciphers. However, you do not have to be good on cipher to understand how Enola is not alone in her feminist journey.
1. Fashion
Fashion is one of the hints to spot a feminist movement. It is often a stereotype on women's choice of clothes. In movie, Enola's brother Mycroft told her, "My god, look at you. You're in such a mess. Where's your hat and your gloves?" She heard that, wearing a non-corseted dark blue dress and white bloomers. During her time, it is society's standard for women to wear corset and bustle. She was even sent off to an academy because his brother believes that it is the way to make her a proper lady. Enola does not agree on that. For her, corset is a symbol of repression. Although she is against on the society's clothes standard, she used it as an advantage to seek for Eudoria, to help Tewkesbury and to outsmart his brother.
2. Science and Investigatory
The specialty of Enola and Eudoria on chemical explosions gives them an edge as a feminist. Just because women are expected to be good in cooking or embroidery, it does not mean that they are not allowed to do other things. Eudoria raised Enola to be intelligent, wise, and valiant woman. The use of cipher, a disguised way of writing, also contributes to Enola's feminist journey. Moreover, Enola's bravery to pretend as a widow assistant of Sherlock made her into different level of feminist. She claimed that widowhood does not affect the impact on her ability to do her job. She even won the challenge against the another detective to prove who knows Sherlock better. Clearly, their intelligence does not equate to a wild and dangerous woman. It is rather an opportunity to learn new ideology and fair treatment.
3. Martial Arts
Jujutsu is an art of close combat, whether you are armed or unarmed. We have seen women practicing jujutsu including Enola, Eudoria, and her first jujutsu mentor, Edith. This martial art provides a better definition of feminism and women empowerment, giving women a chance to fight and an opportunity to defend. Edith exclaimed to Sherlock, "You don't know what it is to be without power." I find this line impactful, and the root of the movement. Women has few options to choose for their lives, and power includes status and rights in the society.
Those are my top three picks from the film that proves Enola is not alone in feminism. Though, we might have watched films like that before, but it is a good reminder to us that opportunities shall be equal to everyone regardless of sex and gender. Women can be a detective or martial artist, and men can like flowers or be feminine. We can be who we want to be as long as our goal is for the greater good.
As much as I want to share more quotable lines from the film, you can check it out to support feminism, equality and freedom. Enola is not alone in this battle, and so you are.
Photo Source: https://collider.com/
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