16-year old Nancy Drew is a big city girl, and none-too-thrilled about her father's decision to quit Chicago for the alleged pleasures of small town life. Daddy Drew, you see, couldn't bear to remain in the city that reminded him of his deceased wife.
The big news in their new home is a proposed railroad. Some of the townsfolk are keen to see this built, believing it will bring new life to the town, but plenty oppose it, including Nancy's dad. A talented lawyer and convincing orator, he seems close to scuppering the whole deal.
Nancy, however, is far more interested in wreaking vengeance on those who upset the few friends she has in town, and in stories that a local home is haunted. She doesn't believe in ghosts, but maybe there's something else going on at the house ...
Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase is based on a 1930 novel, which probably explains the rather anachronous railway line premise that underlies much of the action there. In most other respects, the film updates itself to 2019 quite effectively. The characters all have and use mobile phones, and social media and video editing are both utilised.
This is a fun teen mystery movie. It's got a likeable cast - in particular, Sophia Lillis is great in the main role - and some genuinely funny character interplay. There is one sequence around the supposed haunting that might be a little intense for some younger viewers, but it's otherwise a light, family-friendly affair that zips along quite merrily for its 90 minute run-time.
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