Clue and Red Herrings in Enola Holmes (2020) and Enola Holmes 2 (2022)

This research explores the role of clues and red herrings in Enola Holmes (2020) and Enola Holmes 2 (2022), both directed by Harry Bradbeer and produced by Netflix. The detective genre has long relied on the interplay between genuine clues, which guide the detective toward resolution, and red herrings, which intentionally mislead to sustain suspense. While previous studies have examined the detective formula in classic novels or focused on thematic aspects such as gender and adaptation in the Enola Holmes films, few have analyzed how cinematic techniques highlight the presence of clues and red herrings in modern screen narratives. This study employs a descriptive qualitative method, with primary data drawn from selected scenes, dialogues, and cinematic elements in both films, analyzed through John G. Cawelti’s classical detective formula and supported by secondary references. The findings reveal that clues often appear through symbolic objects, coded texts, and visual motifs, while red herrings are created through misinterpretations or staged evidence. Cinematic techniques such as close-ups, lighting contrasts, and mise-en-scène are used to emphasize both genuine and misleading information, actively involving viewers in the interpretive process. The results show that while Enola Holmes (2020) focuses more on personal and familial dimensions, Enola Holmes 2 (2022) incorporates broader social issues, offering a denser layering of clues and red herrings. This study contributes to detective fiction scholarship by demonstrating how classical narrative structures are adapted in contemporary cinema to balance logic, suspense, and audience engagement.