“No Choice” and the Nightmare of Autonomy: Nate Hilgartner’s World Premiere at Dances With Films

Blending gritty realism with surreal horror, No Choice is a politically charged psychological thriller that dives headfirst into the ongoing national debate surrounding reproductive rights. The film’s bold genre approach and emotional depth have already begun turning heads, positioning it as a standout in this year’s festival lineup.

According to Hilgartner, the project was born out of deep frustration after the 2022 Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade. “I was shocked that rights were being rolled back,” he said. “So, I asked, ‘What is someone’s life really like under these conditions?’” That question became the driving force behind Amy’s story—a character grounded in economic hardship, familial trauma, and social isolation.

At the center of the film is a powerhouse performance by Hannah Deale, whose portrayal of Amy is both magnetic and emotionally raw. Hilgartner shared that finding the right actor was make-or-break for the production. “We went into auditions knowing if we didn’t find Amy, we’d have to shelve the project,” he admitted. When Deale walked in, the search was over. “She brought such depth and intelligence—even in the reading room you could feel the emotion roiling under the surface. On set, I’d compare her to an athlete of emotion, like Simone Biles performing a double handspring, a backflip, and another half-twist—again and again.”

The film’s title, No Choice, resonates far beyond Amy’s personal circumstances. Hilgartner explained that the narrative is rooted in a broader sense of lost autonomy—not just over reproductive rights, but across an entire community. “Amy and her mother are trapped in poverty and addiction; her boss is struggling to keep his store afloat; Lucas, a queer person of color, navigates an unwelcoming town. Even Dr. McAnnis, who took an oath to ‘do no harm,’ risks prosecution if she provides reproductive care. These are real issues doctors face today.”

While the story is clearly grounded in the realities of the American South or Appalachia, Hilgartner intentionally left the film’s setting unnamed. Shot in his hometown in upstate New York, he and the production team created original brands and signage—like Smash Cola and Gunther Beer—to cultivate a “one-of-a-kind” atmosphere. “We wanted this town to feel specific and yet stand in for an America that could be anywhere,” he said. With the help of dialect coach Holly Adams, the cast adopted regional accents, further grounding the realism of the world.

One of the most striking aspects of the film is its use of dream sequences to heighten Amy’s psychological unraveling. “Dreams are a realm where we discover deeper truths,” Hilgartner said. “As Amy lives her literal nightmare, her dreams transcend reality, revealing prophetic warnings.” The film’s cinematographer, Alex Podolyanchùk, designed these sequences to be as visually stunning as they are emotionally jarring. “Every shot was carefully crafted,” Hilgartner added. “Alex even mentored members of our crew—our focus puller learned the day before we shot, and still everything came out seamless.”

The emotional core of the film, however, may lie in its interpersonal moments. One particularly challenging scene between Amy and her mother pushed actors Hannah Deale and Jennifer Herzog to their limits. “They asked to rehearse it privately,” Hilgartner recalled. “What they delivered was exhausting but beautiful. We even had a rescue dog on set, Louley, to comfort them between takes. Jennifer insisted she get a credit.”

No Choice’s premiere at Dances With Films holds particular significance for Hilgartner. “It’s a dream come true—and humbling,” he said. “The Chinese Theatre launched The Wizard of Oz, Star Wars, Titanic… and now No Choice premieres there. It’s surreal.”

When asked what advice he would give to emerging filmmakers, Hilgartner emphasized the importance of conviction. “Write until you have something you fully believe in. Then say out loud, ‘I’m making this movie.’ Once you do that, it becomes real. Momentum builds. Make sure your story is true, from the heart—that authenticity will attract collaborators and elevate the film beyond your imagination.”

Looking ahead, Hilgartner is already developing his next project—a story about artists navigating life under a totalitarian regime. While details are still under wraps, he hinted that it would explore how art may not save us but might carry us through the darkest of times. And yes, he hopes to work with Hannah Deale again. “Her heart, intelligence, and dedication are rare,” he said.

Don’t miss No Choice—premiering June 23, 9:30 PM at the TCL Chinese Theatre.

Tickets and full festival details are available at the Dances With Films website.

Watch the full interview with Nate Hilgartner on Hollywood Times Official YouTube channel.