Enola Holmes 3
From dynamic puzzle-solving sequences to large-scale explosions and extensive invisible effects work, Vine FX helped bring the latest adventure in the Enola Holmes franchise to life.
Produced by Legendary for Netflix, Enola Holmes 3 features a substantial contribution from Vine FX, which delivered 150 final shots across a broad range of creative, invisible and environmental visual effects. Working closely with Production VFX Supervisor Mike Ellis and the production team, Vine FX helped establish the film’s historic world while supporting its mystery-driven narrative.
Led by VFX Supervisor Ben Hicks and CG Supervisor Tim Kilgour, Vine FX combined 2D, CG and invisible effects throughout the feature. A key creative sequence visualises Enola’s process of decoding a message, with letters and symbols lifting from a page and reforming in the air. The sequence evolved significantly during production, moving from an initial concept involving liquid ink to a more refined treatment in which dried letters peel away from the paper. Vine FX developed an adaptable system that allowed words, letters and symbols to change as the edit and storyline developed, while maintaining a consistent design and animation language. Extensive look development and multiple design iterations enabled the team to respond to evolving creative requirements before applying final textures and animation.
The studio also created the visual treatment for a coded message concealed on a mirror. The Morse code underwent numerous iterations as Vine FX explored how the markings could transform into readable letters. Real fingerprint references informed the treatment, with layered visual effects designed to balance realism, clarity and storytelling.
Vine FX’s work extended into the film’s action, including a major mine explosion. Production photography provided the foundation, but the practical explosion required additional scale and destruction. Using LiDAR scans, HDRIs and other production reference, the team recreated and extended the effect, digitally destroying sections of the mine structure while matching the original photography. Additional effects such as muzzle flashes, bullet impacts and environmental enhancements helped integrate the sequence and connect the smaller details with the larger action.
A significant portion of the work focused on invisible effects and the transformation of Malta-shot locations into convincing Victorian-era environments. Extensive cleanup and de-modernisation removed cables, contemporary structures and other present-day elements.
Environmental enhancement included replacing modern carpets with sand, extending sandy areas across surrounding paving, and altering backgrounds with mountains, trees and expanded coastal vistas. Digital matte paintings were used across multiple angles, with careful integration ensuring consistency and creating the impression that the sand had always been part of the environment. Vine FX also completed window replacements and bluescreen composites, including views beyond Sherlock Holmes’ office in Victorian London.
Throughout the project, an evolving edit required Vine FX to remain flexible and closely integrated with production. The collaborative workflow allowed departments to adapt to changing creative decisions while maintaining momentum. You can stream Enola Holmes 3 on Netflix
