The sequel to Enola Holmes has landed on Netflix, and with it, a spotlight on the British film industry's quiet triumph in the streaming wars. For Millie Bobby Brown, returning as the teenage sleuth, this is more than a starring role: it is a declaration that homegrown stories can command global audiences.
Brown, who rose to fame in Stranger Things, now produces her own projects. 'I wanted to tell stories that felt distinctly British, but with universal appeal,' she told reporters. Her co-star, Louis Partridge, fresh from the success of Pistol, agrees. 'There's a hunger for British period pieces, but done with modern energy.'
This hunger is no accident. As streaming platforms pour billions into content, the UK has become a production powerhouse. Tax incentives, world-class crews, and a deep bench of acting talent have made Britain a go-to hub. Yet for workers in the film industry, the boom is not equally felt. Stagehands, makeup artists, and drivers face precarious contracts and rising costs in London and the South East.
'It's a boom town, but rents are through the roof,' says a grip on the Enola Holmes set, speaking anonymously. 'We're grateful for the work, but we need protections.' Unions have warned that the streaming gold rush could leave behind the very people who make the magic happen.
The government has touted creative industries as a pillar of post-Brexit growth. But for every headline about a Netflix blockbuster, there are hundreds of freelancers struggling to get by. A report from the Film and TV Charity found that one in three workers in the sector is worried about their financial security.
As Enola Holmes 2 streams into millions of homes, the question is not just about box office success, but about sustainability. If Britain wants to remain a streaming superpower, it must ensure that the workers behind the scenes are not left behind.
For now, Brown and Partridge are celebrating the film's success. 'This is for the fans,' Brown says. But for the crew, it is also a reminder of a industry that is both booming and brittle.
