Spider & Jessie

Some movies grab your attention with action or big twists, but What We Hide works in a completely different way. It's a quiet, emotional story that slowly gets under your skin and stays with you long after it's over.

The film follows two sisters, Spider and Jessie, who are suddenly left on their own after their mother dies. Instead of telling anyone, they decide to hide her death, terrified that the foster system will split them apart. It's a heartbreaking setup, but the film never feels cheap or over-the-top. Instead, it's about survival, loyalty, and the fierce bond between two kids who only have each other.

The reason this story hits so hard is because of the performances. McKenna Grace is outstanding as Spider. She plays the older sister with a mix of toughness and deep vulnerability, showing the pain of a child forced to act like an adult. Jojo Regina, as Jessie, is just as powerful in a softer way. She brings innocence, hope, and sweetness that make you root for her instantly. Together, they're magnetic-you believe every look, every argument, and every small moment of love between them.

The rest of the cast adds texture without taking away from the sisters. Jesse Williams plays a sheriff who sees more than he lets on, Forrest Goodluck adds some warmth as a rare friend, and Dacre Montgomery is genuinely intimidating as a local threat. They all help create the small-town world that the sisters are struggling to survive in.

Visually, the movie keeps things simple. The muted colors and quiet settings match the story's tone. It doesn't try to be flashy, and that works-it feels grounded and real, almost like you're peeking into someone's life.

What really makes What We Hide special is that, despite its heavy subject, it's ultimately about love. It's about two sisters holding on to each other, no matter how bad things get. Yes, it's emotional and at times tough to watch, but it's also moving and deeply human.

What We Hide is a small, powerful film that proves sometimes the quietest stories can leave the loudest impact.

This remarkable movie tells the poignant story of two sisters trying to stay toghether as challenges arise amid a broken foster system,after their mother dies of overdose. From joyous highs to heartbreaking lows, their rollercoaster of emotions captivates the audience, making it impossible to look away. With a powerful narrative that resonates deeply, the film not only entertains but also aims to raise awareness for a vital cause. Prepare to be emotionally invested from start to finish, as this cinematic experience will leave you reflecting long after the credits roll.

What We Hide takes a unique view of the opioid crisis by looking at it through the eyes of children. A gripping tale of tragedy, sisterhood, and, ultimately, resilience. The acting and story is incredible and engrosses you in the world of two young sisters who have to fight to stay together. The film both breaks your heart and leaves you with a sense of hope.

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.

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.