Spider & Jessie

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.

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.

What We Hide is such a must see. The story telling is amazing and the acting just makes it ten times better. The cast is stacked with Mckenna Grace, Dacre Montgomery, Malia Baker, Jojo Regina and Jessie Williams- all from projects people know and love already. This film needs more credit as it's amazing and such a great original authentic film which we don't see in movies that much nowadays. I'm calling it now that Malia Baker, Mckenna Grace and Jojo Regina are the future of the film!! Loved this.

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.