Exclusive Interview: Jojo Regina on Sisterhood, Strength, and Stepping Into the Spotlight in ‘What We Hide’

With What We Hide, audiences are pulled into a story that’s as gripping as it is intimate—one that explores sisterhood, survival, and the choices we make when there’s no right answer. The film follows Spider (McKenna Grace) and Jessie (Jojo Regina), two sisters forced to grow up far too soon after their mother’s fatal overdose. Desperate to stay together and avoid being separated by the foster care system, they make a heartbreaking choice—to hide her body. But as the local sheriff (Jesse Williams) starts asking questions and their mom’s dealer (Dacre Montgomery) closes in, their secret threatens to unravel.

Tense, tender, and deeply human, What We Hide is more than a story about loss—it’s about love. Writer-director Dan Kay captures the fragile, unspoken bond between siblings with unflinching honesty, reminding us that even in the darkest moments, hope can still flicker.

For Jojo Regina, who delivers a breakout performance as Jessie, What We Hide marks a defining moment in her career. We chatted with her about stepping into this emotionally charged role, the sisterly bond she built with McKenna Grace, and the lessons she’s carrying with her from the experience.

PC: What We Hide explores sisterhood and a range of complex emotional themes. When you first read the script, what about the story resonated with you and made you want to bring it to life?
Jojo: First, the script was amazing! It shed light on what’s at stake for siblings whose parents struggle with addiction in such a compelling way. We don’t often hear their stories—or see the devastation they face when they’re orphaned by an overdose.

Second, I’ve always loved stories about sisters. I have both an older and a younger sister, and they mean everything to me. I couldn’t imagine life without either of them.

And third, the role of Jessie was truly a dream come true for me as an actress. She’s innocent yet smart, broken yet hopeful, scared yet tough. Like you said, she’s definitely a complex character who goes through such an incredible range of emotions. Bringing her to life was my greatest challenge—and my most rewarding experience yet.

PC: The dynamic between you and McKenna [Grace] is so palpable on screen. How did the two of you build that sisterly bond, and in what ways did her performance influence your own? It really feels like you’re elevating each other’s work.
Jojo: First of all, thank you so much for saying that! I know McKenna elevated my work for sure, but to think I did the same for her means a lot. As far as the sisterly bond goes, Dan Kay, McKenna, and I made that our main focus because we knew it was the heart and soul of the film. If Spider and Jessie didn’t have a deep connection and that sisterly shorthand—along with an authentic love for each other—their relationship wouldn’t feel believable, and their story wouldn’t resonate.

The prep for that started the moment I met McKenna. She’s such a great listener, an amazing actress, and one of the sweetest people I’ve ever met, so pretending to love her as a big sister was easy. On top of that, production arranged for us to spend time together before filming to really get to know each other. We spent a day at the beach, a day at the aquarium, went out to eat a bunch, and just hung out as much as we possibly could. We even spent most of our time on set in each other’s trailers or in a little 10×10 bedroom between scenes, so we were together a lot.

Our families bonded too—my dad chauffeured us around in rainstorms, her mom always found the best snacks, and her pup, Gizmo, was there for moral support and the sweetest snuggles whenever we needed them. Getting to know each other so well really allowed me to feel safe enough to take risks, and seeing McKenna give 110% every take—on or off camera—inspired me to do the same.

PC: What did you learn from working alongside McKenna that you’ll carry with you into future projects?
Jojo: I learned how to be a generous scene partner and that it’s okay to take time for yourself—to ask for space when you need it. I also learned how to play the ukulele, which McKenna played nearly every day on set.

PC: This feels like such a breakout moment for you. Is there a particular scene you’re most excited for audiences to experience?
Jojo: Wow! Thanks! I feel like that too! It’s been such an amazing journey—from The Chosen TV series to Where the Crawdads Sing to my first Christmas movie, Festival of Trees—but this film is where I’ve really had the chance to dive deep into character exploration and take my craft to the next level. Plus, I got to work alongside the most incredible cast. I mean, seriously—McKenna Grace, Jesse Williams, Malia Baker, Dacre Montgomery, Forrest Goodluck… I couldn’t turn around on set without bumping into some of the most talented actors working today, and they were all so supportive and inspiring.

So, honestly, I’m excited for audiences to see all the scenes! [laughs] But if I had to choose, two really stand out. The first is the dinner fight that leads to my asthma attack, and the second is the bedroom fight that builds to an epic showdown with Dacre. That one was especially fun to shoot—and we had the craziest outtakes!

PC: This role asks you to go to so many emotional places. As an actress, how did you create the space to tap into that level of vulnerability?
Jojo: That’s actually one of my favorite things about this role—I really got to explore so many emotions. The truth is, I’m always pretty vulnerable and feel everything deeply in real life. My dad says that’s my superpower. So before we roll, I try to find my center, open my heart, and just lean into it. I guess The Beatles said it best: “Love is all you need.” [laughs]

PC: What’s next for you?
Jojo: I can’t really say quite yet. What I can tell you is that you never know in this business. I’ve had a few director sessions recently that I thought I nailed, but they didn’t go my way. When that happens, it’s definitely a bummer, but you just have to shake it off, learn what you can from the experience, and be ready for whatever comes next. And sure enough, not long after that, a totally unexpected opportunity came along out of the blue. So, keep an eye on my Instagram—I’ll share updates as soon as I’m able. Thanks so much for the support!

To keep up with Jojo, follow her on Instagram. What We Hide is available wherever you stream movies.