McKenna Grace and JoJo Regina, the young stars of What We Hide—a poignant 2025 American drama directed and written by Dan Kay—share a laugh, their bond evident. “Wow, what a movie,” Salfen began, noting how the film grabs viewers from the start, plunging them into an emotional whirlwind. As sisters Spider and Jessie, played by Grace and Regina, the duo navigates the harrowing aftermath of their mother’s fatal overdose, hiding her body in a desperate bid to stay together. With supporting turns from Forrest Goodluck, Malia Baker, Dacre Montgomery, and Jesse Williams, the film weaves a tale of loss, resilience, and unbreakable sibling ties.
The interview unfolded with Grace and Regina reminiscing about a shoot that was as chaotic as it was cathartic. “We have so many great memories,” Regina said, her voice bright despite the film’s heavy themes. Filmed amid nature’s fury, the production faced hurricanes and lightning strikes that forced pauses—safety rules kicking in if bolts were within three miles. Yet, these interruptions sparked joy: improv sessions between takes, endless bloopers, and a cast so tight-knit they felt like family. “We went through a hurricane together,” Grace added, recalling a wild day when a fire erupted on set amid the storm. “That was insane.”
Off-set adventures lightened the load too. The pair visited an aquarium, shared trailers, and spent nights in hotel rooms, forging a friendship that mirrored their on-screen sisterhood. “We spent every moment together,” Grace reflected, praising Regina’s talent. “She’s incredible—so smart and intelligent. I knew from the start she’d be great.” For Regina, working with Grace was a highlight, turning grueling days into playful escapades. “It’s my dream job,” she beamed. “It doesn’t even feel like work; it feels like playing.”
As the conversation turned to advice for aspiring actors, Grace opened up about her evolving role in the industry. Having started young—appearing at Critics’ Choice events since childhood—she found herself in a new position: the elder on set. “It was different being the older person, giving advice,” she said, acknowledging the shift from being the kid to the mentor. She lauded Regina’s natural prowess: “What do I have to teach her? She’s fantastic.” Regina, in turn, offered wisdom to those following in her footsteps. “Acting is about listening and being there for one another,” she advised. “Put your heart and soul into it. You won’t book every audition, but keep at it—it’s about having fun and learning along the way.”
What keeps these rising stars grounded amid the intensity? For Regina, it’s the sheer thrill: “I’m jumping for joy before I go on set. It’s so fun, especially with sweet people like McKenna.” Grace echoed the sentiment, emphasizing passion and family. “This is my dream job—nothing else I’d rather do,” she said. The shoot’s challenges—rough, grueling, down-and-dirty—were bearable because “we were all in it together.” Both highlighted their close family ties as anchors: Grace admired Regina’s bond with her dad on set, a mirror to her own grounding relationships. “We both have really close relationships with our families,” Grace noted. “It’s beautiful knowing they’re there to back you, especially on emotional days.”
As What We Hide—also known as Spider & Jessie—prepares to captivate audiences with its raw exploration of grief and survival, Grace and Regina’s stories remind us of the humanity behind the drama. In a film where secrets bind and storms rage, their real-life camaraderie shines through, proving that even in the darkest narratives, light—and laughter—can emerge. Salfen wrapped up with praise: “It’s a fantastic film. We can’t wait to tell everybody to check it out.” With talents like these leading the way, the future of storytelling looks brighter than ever.
