Photos from Netflix
In these funny and intriguing movies, we have a fierce and mighty teenage girl protagonist who marches to her own tune, is capable of standing her own ground, resists the societal pressure of what she should be and makes noise about things that matter. Sherlock Holmes’s younger teenage sister takes the spotlight in solving mysteries as a detective.
The stories are set at the beginning of the Suffrage movement, late 19th century England, in a time when women were just starting to fight for their rights. The movies are based on the young adulty series novels by Nancy Springer. Also, a great gift option for a teenage girl, it is a set of 6 books.
Photo from Amazon
The star actress Millie Bobbie Brown is also one of the producers along with her sister.
This story line also challenges many myths and ideas of the ‘bad mother’, as Enola has an unorthodox mother who then goes absent. Her mother raises her to believe she can do anything. Her early education from her mother as a young girl is shown to build grit and break down gender stereotypes.
It is a book not only focusing on girl power but also promoting political activism for social change.
Perhaps the most pleasing theme for me was that it looks at the challenged faced in balancing independence and relationships reaching the conclusion that independence does not mean being alone.
Definitely worth watching and a great conversation starter.
Some quotes from the movie
“There are two paths you can take, Enola. Yours or the path others choose for you.” Mrs Holmes
‘My life is my own and the future is up to us’ Enola Holmes
‘If you want to be heard you have to make some noise’ Mrs Holmes
