Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase (2019)

Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase is the kind of family mystery that treats its young heroine’s intelligence as the main special effect, letting curiosity and courage do the heavy lifting instead of cynicism or snark. Sophia Lillis makes Nancy feel briskly real—sharp, a little guarded, and quietly brave—so the clues, friendships, and small-town tensions land with warmth as well as momentum. Director Katt Shea keeps the vibe breezy and spooky-in-a-safe-way, with playful set pieces and a satisfying sense that observation and kindness can actually change the room you’re in. It’s geared more toward a cozy, youth-friendly adventure than a hard-edged crime thriller, but if you want an upbeat whodunit that champions brains and heart, it’s an easy recommendation.

Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase is clearly aiming for a cozy, kid-friendly mystery that introduces Nancy as a sharp, likable outsider finding her footing in a new town. The problem is it often plays like a polished TV movie: the stakes feel softened, the scares are more “spooky fun” than suspenseful, and the mystery doesn’t have the snap or cleverness you might want from a detective story. If you’re expecting a tense, twisty whodunit or a more cinematic reboot of Nancy Drew, this will likely feel lightweight and a bit bland. On the plus side, Sophia Lillis brings solid charm and confidence, so younger viewers or families looking for something harmless and easygoing may have a perfectly fine time.