Common Sense Media Review
By Joyce Slaton
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sparkling book adaptation has great characters, some scares.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 22 parent reviews
Parents say this movie is deeply unsuitable for younger audiences due to its concerning themes, intense scenes, and disturbing plot elements that stray far from the original character’s portrayal. While some appreciate its potential for discussion about kindness and resilience, many agree that it contains too much fear-inducing content and inappropriate material for children.
- unsuitable for kids
- intense scenes
- disturbing themes
- unrealistic character
- inappropriate content
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 13 kid reviews
Kids say this film diverges significantly from the beloved book character, depicting a disrespectful and rebellious Nancy Drew that many find inappropriate for younger viewers. While some appreciate the movie's excitement and humor, several reviewers highlight its scary elements and negative portrayal of a female hero, suggesting it is more suitable for older children rather than the intended younger audience.
- character portrayal
- scary elements
- not suitable for kids
- mixed reviews
- positive messages
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Based on the long-running series of mystery stories, NANCY DREW AND THE HIDDEN STAIRCASE is set in a modern-day River Heights, where Nancy Drew (Sophia Lillis) and her lawyer father, Carson (Sam Trammell), have moved from Chicago following the death of Nancy's mother. With Carson embroiled in a local fight over a proposed new train system, Nancy gets mixed up in a mystery. Eccentric local Flora Turnbull (Linda Lavin) believes that her mansion, Twin Elms, is being haunted by restless spirits. Can Nancy and her friends uncover what's behind Twin Elms' strange happenings and bring River Heights together again? Andrea Anders co-stars as Hannah, who's Carson's sister/Nancy's aunt in this version, rather than their housekeeper.
Is It Any Good?
Sparkling and lovable, this tween-friendly film ably updates Nancy Drew for the "future is female" generation. Fans of the classic books may wonder how Carolyn Keene's "girl sleuth" (who never let a mystery distract her from a pretty frock or a good hot meal) would read in an age when girls' lives are much more adventurous (and complicated) than those depicted between the original books' yellow covers. But 2018's Nancy Drew keeps what was always great about Nancy -- her bravery, her empathy with victims, and her girl-power pals -- and smartly skips the old-fashioned and hidebound, like the books' casual sexism and racism.
The plot of Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase is drawn directly from the book of the same name (not the 1930 original, but the 1959 update), and it's silly Scooby-Doo action all the way. You'll guess the villain as soon as he shows up, and none of the other plot "twists" will come as a surprise, either. What might? Almost every character gets a humanizing moment, including the so-called "mean girl" who believably transforms from an eye-rolling snob into a true pal, thanks to the warmth and kindness of Nancy and her pals. Young viewers will be on board both for the hijinks and for the movie's essential sweetness -- because that never goes out of style.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why kid/teen books are so often turned into movies. What built-in appeal might a character from a popular book have? Would a fan of the Nancy Drew books be more likely to see Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase? What other book-to-movie adaptations can you name? How is this movie similar to or different from them?
Bess is upset when someone posts a mean video about her online. Have you/your friends ever dealt with cyberbullying? How did you handle it? What do you think about the way Bess, George, and Nancy get their revenge (or, as Nancy calls it, "justice")? Is it warranted? Are the consequences appropriate?
How do the characters in Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase demonstrate courage, empathy. and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?
Is Nancy a role model? Why or why not? Do she and her friends provide positive examples of gender representation? What do you think of the expectations they have for themselves -- and one another?
In the Nancy Drew books, Nancy is generally depicted as a high school graduate, though her age ranges from 16 to 18. Why do you think the filmmakers chose to show Nancy as a high school student? What dramatic possibilities does this setting hold? Would tweens be as likely to relate to an adult character?
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 15, 2019
- On DVD or streaming : April 2, 2019
- Cast : Sophia Lillis , Laura Wiggins , Andrea Anders
- Director : Katt Shea
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Warner Bros.
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : STEM , Book Characters
- Character Strengths : Courage , Empathy , Teamwork
- Run time : 89 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : peril, suggestive material, thematic elements and language
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : February 21, 2026
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