Directed and written by Dan Kay, What We Hide, originally known as Spider & Jessie, is an emotionally charged drama. In the movie, Mckenna Grace and Jojo Regina play two strong sisters who are put in a terrible situation when they find out their mother has died from an overdose. They choose to hide their mother’s death because they don’t want to be split up by the foster care system.
Featuring strong performances by Dacre Montgomery, Forrest Goodluck, Jesse Williams, and Malia Baker—the film has earned attention not only for its gripping story but also for its authentic visual setting. And much of that authenticity comes from where the movie was filmed. In select theaters beginning August 8th and on digital and on-demand starting August 29th
When and Where Was What We Hide Filmed?
Filming for What We Hide began in late summer of 2022 and took place primarily in Florida before additional scenes were completed in Los Angeles, California. The production team chose these locations to capture the film’s rural, working-class atmosphere and themes of hardship and resilience.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the main places where the movie was filmed.
Plant City, Florida
Plant City, Florida was one of the main places where What We Hide was filmed. Plant City, which is known for its historic charm and small-town feel, was the perfect place to show how the story takes place in a close-knit but struggling community.
According to director Dan Kay, the town wasn’t just a background—it was part of the storytelling.
“We needed a place that felt like anywhere in America,” said Kay during production. “Plant City had that quiet stillness, a sense of forgotten community, and a kind of beauty that fit perfectly with the tone of our story.”
Campbell’s Dairyland also featured in the movie. Campbell’s Dairyland in Brandon is closer to Plant City. It is located at 200 S Parsons Ave, Brandon, Florida. The establishment has been a staple in Brandon for over 36 years.
Production in Plant City officially kicked off in late August 2022, with scenes shot in various residential and open areas that emphasized the isolation the two young protagonists feel after their mother’s death. The local setting allowed the filmmakers to create an atmosphere that was both intimate and emotionally charged.
Seminole, Florida
In addition to Plant City, Seminole, Florida was also used for filming large parts of What We Hide. This smaller coastal town in Pinellas County made for a rough background. Seminole’s suburban streets, community parks, and underused corners were used to shoot key sequences that highlight the hidden struggles of the characters.
Actor Jesse Williams, who plays one of the supporting roles, shared his appreciation for the location:
“There’s something raw and real about these Florida towns. It doesn’t feel like a set—it feels like you’re standing in the lives of real people. That authenticity matters in a story like this.”
The use of real towns rather than constructed sets gave the story a level of realism that enhances the overall viewing experience.
Los Angeles, California – Studio Support and Finishing Touches
Even though most of the main filming happened in Florida, some scenes were also shot in Los Angeles, California, in 2023. It’s likely that these scenes were used to connect darker parts of the story or to film scenes that needed a controlled studio environment.
Los Angeles helped with the production’s technical needs by providing post-production facilities, sound stages, and crew knowledge. The visual heart of the movie, on the other hand, stays in Florida.
Production Timeline
• Filming Start: August 30, 2022
• Primary Locations: Plant City and Seminole, Florida
• Additional Filming: Los Angeles, California in 2023
• Premiere: February 8, 2025, at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival
Is What We Hide Based on a True Story?
However, What We Hide is not based on a single true story. Instead, it shows problems that far too many children face in real life—such as parental addiction, broken homes, and the fear of being separated in the foster care system. Daniel Kay, who wrote and directed the movie, made up a story based on harsh realities that can be seen in many American communities.
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