NO CHOICE
Nate Hilgartner brings a stylistically strong debut to Dances With Films LA 2025 in NO CHOICE. Amy struggles to keep her head above water in her small-town life. Working at a convenience store and riding her bike, she longs to make someone more of herself. An unexpected pregnancy is the result of a broken condom on a first date. Being financially responsible for her addict mother and impending college tuition, an abortion, and the lack of access have potentially deadly consequences for Amy.
Hilgartner uses increasingly dark dream sequences to delve into fear and anxiety. The score is pure horror. The lighting elicits a dizzying terror.
The film tackles medical care droughts in America and bible belt fear-mongering. Watching Amy shell out hundreds of dollars in emergency room visits is painful. Hilgartner cleverly uses social media chaos and misinformation. The most disgusting part is the shaming by Amy’s male doctor and her addict mother.
Hannah Deale (shout out to my fellow AMDA Panda) gives Amy her all. You can see the wheels turning as she battles negative energy and thoughts at every turn. You want so badly to rescue her from this cycle of poverty and sadness. Deale braves this complex emotional roller-coaster like a pro.
NO CHOICE is a creative deep dive into the psyche of desperation. It is the manifestation of intrusive thoughts. With women literally being used as human incubators (I’m talking to you, Georgia), and reproductive rights being stripped away by the minute, NO CHOICE is essential art.
Official Selection: Dances With Films 2025.
Follow the conversation on Instagram & X: @NoChoiceMovie
Hashtag: #NoChoiceMovie
Website: www.NoChoiceMovie.com
After its World Premiere in Los Angeles, NO CHOICE will travel to the GASP! Horror Festival for its International Premiere on June 29th, 5:45pm at Cultplex in Manchester, UK.
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