What We Hide

Greetings again from the darkness. Put me down as one of those saps who struggles mightily watching kids in peril ... even if 'it's only a movie.' Writer-director Dan Kay taps right into my weakness in the opening scene. Two sisters find their mother on the floor of the rural house - dead from an overdose. It's a situation where initially we have hope. Perhaps the girls will be better off without a druggie mom. But life is rarely that simple.

Mckenna Grace (GIFTED, 2017) is remarkable as 15-year-old Spider. She's so determined to keep together what remains of her family that she looks forcefully in the eyes of her younger sister Jessie (a terrific Jojo Regina, WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING, 2022) and says, "I'll die before I let them break us up." And neither Jessie nor us viewers have any doubt she means it. Yet, the challenges of that promise mount quickly ... and start with what to do with mom's body while keeping her death a secret.

Other challenges include mom's frightening druggie boyfriend, Reece (Dacre Montgomery, WENT UP THE HILL, 2025), who threatens the girls in order to extort money from them. There is also a social worker (Tamara Austin), and a well-meaning local Sheriff (Jesse Williams, "Grey's Anatomy), who happens to be the father of Spider's best friend Alexis (Malia Baker, "The Baby-Sitters Club"). All of this is piled up on the girls attending school and not arousing suspicion ... an incredibly stressful task for two youngsters. The emotional strain forces them to deal with a situation way beyond their years.

The interaction between the two sisters is mesmerizing to watch. Both actors are tremendous and create characters that find us believing everything they say and do. Spider has (mostly) pent up anger, while Jessie chooses to remember her mom's goodness. The dynamics shift a bit when local boy Cody (Forest Goodluck, THE MISEDUCATION OF CAMERON POST, 2018), takes an interest in Spider, using photography as an icebreaker. This acts as a reminder that Spider is a young girl who should be enjoying friends and figuring out relationships, rather than protecting her sister from outsiders.

Filmmaker Kay delivers an ending that fits so well with a story that has put the characters and viewers through immense emotional strain. This is one of the indie gems that has a lot going for it, not the least of which is these two outstanding young actors.

A limited theatrical rollout continues August 22, 2025 and August 29, 2025 in select cities.

No thriller, no whodunnit, no mystery. Just boring and unrealistic teenagers drama. I mean no offence here to people who or whos loved ones has suffered from drug addiction. I was simply expecting what description said, but got totaly diferent movie. There are other movies and shows relating to the theme, with much better scripts. So skip this one.

As someone who has suffered from someone's drug addiction and grief this hit close to home. This story was told so raw and was portrayed as beautifully as it could have been. Mckenna is absolutes incredible at her craft she truly is gifted. Although I will say the story fell flat a few times throughout the film. If it were not for the amazing cast that just blew the film out of the water im not sure that it would have transmitted the same emotion. The ending especially. Although for an indie film this is incredible & thankful for these types of stories to still be told and pushed into the light.. these are many children's real life unfortunately. :(

FKA Spider & Jessie, the strong script and phenomenal acting in this film yields a beautifully authentic story about love, loss and the unbreakable bond of family, in the face of overwhelming odds.

In an ensemble cast full of amazing talent, including Jessie Williams of Gray's Anatomy, Dacre Montgomery of Stranger Things and Malia Baker of Descendants, Jojo Regina and McKenna Grace deliver career best performances. Their chemistry is the heart and soul of this important and timely tale.

Regina is raw and authentic with an unparalleled range. She pulls you in with a vulnerable and heartbreaking opening scene, and never lets you go as she effortlessly moves between humor, riveting intensity and unshakeable hope. In the face of devastating loss, she reveals the true dichotomy of a child's struggle to find peace, as she weighs the painful truth of her mother's addiction against the goodness of her heart. Regina delivers an unforgettable and compelling performance that will make you laugh, cry and think. Her talent is awe-inspiring and her mastery of the craft is far beyond her years.

Grace embodies the grit and determination of a young mother lioness, protecting her cub from the dangers of the wild. She's resourceful, determined and ready to do whatever it takes to survive. Another excellent performance. This is a side of her you've never seen. She deftly navigates Spider's anger towards her mother, love for her sister and awkward sweetness of her first relationship.

All of this combined with the gentle guidance of Director, Dan Kay, and the skillful cinematography of Pip White, has resulted in the impossible marriage of gritty realism and ethereal beauty, that will live with you long after the credits roll.

A must see.

I thought Dan Kay's What We Hide would be an easy filler movie but it was a gripping, emotionally charged drama that exceeded my expectations.

Mckenna Grace and Jojo Regina star as sisters Spider and Jessie, who, after their mother's fatal overdose, hide her body to avoid being torn apart by the foster system. The premise might sound like a thriller cliché, but the film's power lies in its execution and the raw, authentic performances of its young leads.

Grace and Regina are phenomenal, their chemistry making the sisters' bond feel achingly real. Grace, in particular, carries the film with a performance that balances toughness and vulnerability, while Regina's Jessie is heartbreakingly sincere. Their desperation is palpable, and the moral dilemmas they face are both harrowing and deeply human.

The supporting cast, especially Dacre Montgomery as the menacing drug dealer, and Jesse Williams as the conflicted sheriff, adds layers of tension. The film's pacing is tight, and while some plot twists are predictable, the emotional payoff more than compensates. The climax is both satisfying and devastating, leaving a lasting impact.

Verdict: What We Hide is an 8/10 - a standout indie drama that surprises with its depth, heart, and two unforgettable performances. It's a testament to what a strong script and talented actors can achieve, even within a familiar framework.