24 Oct 2025
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When Mckenna Grace, actress and Jojo Regina step into the shoes of two desperate sisters, the indie drama‑thriller What We Hide lands on theaters this Friday, August 8, 2025. Distributed by Gravitas Ventures, the film tackles the opioid crisis and a broken foster‑care system, making its premise feel ripped from real headlines.
Why the Story Resonates Now
The United States recorded more than 107,000 opioid‑related deaths in 2023, and child‑welfare agencies are grappling with a surge in sibling placements. What We Hide pulls those statistics off the page and drops them into a tight, 102‑minute narrative that asks: how far will kids go to stay together when the world seems intent on pulling them apart?
Plot & Characters
Spider (Grace) and Jessie (Regina) watch their mother die from an overdose and, fearing immediate removal by state officials, hide her body in the attic. Their secret draws the attention of Jesse Williams, a sheriff who once shared a childhood friendship with the girls' mother. Sheriff Ben Jeffries, played with quiet intensity, arrives at their home on August 4, 2025, only to be misled by Spider’s quick‑thinking lie about her mother seeking a new job.
Adding a darker edge, Dacre Montgomery portrays the mother’s drug dealer, a menacing figure who threatens the sisters if they don’t hand over the cash he believes they’re hiding.
Behind the Camera
Writer‑director Dan Kay—known for the psychological thriller Pay the Ghost—co‑wrote the script with Julia Keller. Production wrapped in July 2025, according to Movie Insider, and the official trailer dropped on July 8, 2025, via BritFlicks’ YouTube channel.
Critical Reception So Far
Early screenings have earned the film solid praise. Frank J. Avella of The Contending called it “a taut, deeply affecting thriller with a Winter’s Bone‑like breakout performance from Mckenna Grace.” An IMDb reviewer noted the “slow‑burn dread” and “raw, gritty atmosphere that makes you feel trapped alongside Spider and Jessie.” Apple TV currently lists an 80 % rating, cementing its status as a standout indie drama.
Release Strategy & Special Events
The film’s limited theatrical run is anchored by a limited theatrical releaseTampa Theatre on August 8. The Tampa Theatre, nestled in the historic Duncan Auditorium, will host a post‑screening conversation featuring guest star Malia Baker (also known from Descendants: The Rise of Red) and producers Jeff Hoffman and Joe Restaino. Seats are open‑seating, encouraging a community feel.
After the theatrical window, the film moves to digital and on‑demand platforms on August 29, 2025, broadening access for viewers who missed the limited run.
Why It Matters Beyond the Screen
Beyond its cinematic thrills, What We Hide joins a growing roster of films that humanize the opioid epidemic—think Beautiful Boy and the documentary Heroin(e). By focusing on sibling bonds, the movie invites audiences to confront the hidden costs of addiction: the children left to navigate a maze of grief and bureaucracy. Advocacy groups have already signaled interest in using the film as an educational tool for foster‑care professionals.
What’s Next for the Cast and Crew
Grace’s recent acclaim from A Friend of the Family positions her for another high‑profile project next spring. Williams, meanwhile, is slated to return to his medical drama duties later in 2025, while Montgomery is eyeing a new sci‑fi series set for early 2026. Dan Kay mentioned in a Collider interview that he’s drafting a follow‑up script exploring the long‑term impact of the sisters’ decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does What We Hide portray the opioid crisis?
The film uses the sisters’ secret burial to illustrate how opioid addiction ripples through families, often leaving children to fend for themselves. It doesn’t glorify drug use but instead shows the desperate measures kids take when social services fall short.
When and where can I see the movie in theaters?
The limited theatrical run begins on Friday, August 8, 2025, at the Tampa Theatre. Additional screenings are slated in select cities; check local listings for exact dates.
Who are the main actors, and what are they known for?
Mckenna Grace rose to fame with A Friend of the Family and Gifted. Jojo Regina is a breakout newcomer. Jesse Williams is best known for his long‑run on Grey’s Anatomy, and Dacre Montgomery gained fame as the lead in the new Power Rangers film.
What’s the planned digital release date?
After the theatrical window, What We Hide will be available for digital download and on‑demand streaming on August 29, 2025, via major platforms.
Are there any events tied to the film’s release?
Yes. The Tampa Theatre will host a post‑screening talk on August 8 with actress Malia Baker and producers Jeff Hoffman and Joe Restaino. Additional Q&A sessions are being planned in New York and Los Angeles.