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.

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.

7.8 stars.

I was particularly moved by the performances of the two girls. I am literally amazed at how well they did and am wondering how many takes were required to accomplish such wonderful performances. I've seen the older girl in many films, but the younger girl stole the show. Both did extremely well, but I found the younger girl's portrayal to be quite sophisticated. Perhaps it's not totally realistic to imagine an eleven year old being so adult, but I was sold on it.

This is a must-see and very emotional drama about two girls trying to survive without any parents. The two girls find their mother dead in the house in the opening scene. Dad is out of the picture. They decide to maintain the facade that mom is alive so they can collect her monthly checks. I wonder how many children in the world are in this exact situation and the authorities and CPS are unaware.

What frustrates me about the story is how suddenly everyone is interested in what's happening at their house, but they never seemed to care before. It's as if they all sense that the mom passed away. Why would CPS now be looking into things, rooting around the property...what is that about? It just makes me dislike the agency even more. Maybe the movie is biased.

Many people believe CPS is such a benefit to children, but if siblings usually get separated, then I am immediately against it. There should be a cardinal rule: never separate the siblings. Find a way to keep them together no matter what. If a supposedly good agency can't assure us of that much, then overhaul the system and start over.

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.

Spider (Mckenna Grace) and Jessie (Jojo Regina) find their drug addict mother dead in the kitchen. They decide to hide the body. Sheriff Ben Jeffries (Jesse Williams) is a family friend.

Mckenna Grace is a great little actress. She may be young, but she is already a veteran dramatic actress. She is no random Disney princess. This darker sad angry character is well within her acting range. The younger sister is more new, but she still impresses. The girls deliver a couple of terrific performances. As for the story, it is fine. It isn't quite different enough to stand out among the crowd. I am always reminded of one filmmaker's advice. Heighten the danger whenever possible. The Sheriff gives the girls an easy way out. He cannot be this guy if the movie wants to increase the tension. The drug dealer needs to be looking for his money. That would increase the danger. The social worker needs to threaten harder. At many points, the story could have pushed harder. That's what's needed for higher tension.