Experiencing Interruptions?

What I Want

Struggling to find her footing in her first year of college, Chloe attempts to join the school’s dance company. Unbeknownst to her, the company holds many dark secrets. In this story of love, Chloe faces a challenge— follow her true passions or fall into the pressures of conformity.

  • Jakob Spruce
    Director
  • Jakob Spruce
    Writer
  • Derek Hess
    Director of Photography
  • Felicia Cochran
    Sound Engineer
  • Ben Long
    Composer
  • Lauren Smith
    Composer
  • Haylee Shires
    Choreographer
  • Heather Bokey
    Costume Design
  • Jakob Spruce
    Costume Design
  • Sydney Stewart
    Key Cast
    "Chloe Montgomery"
  • Allison Blankenship
    Key Cast
    "Sarah"
  • Lesa Dencklau
    Key Cast
    "Ms. Tanner"
  • Project Type:
    Feature, Student
  • Genres:
    Horror, Musical, Romance
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 16 minutes 37 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    April 23, 2022
  • Production Budget:
    500 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - West Virginia Wesleyan College
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
  • Appalachain Queer Film Festival
    Huntington
    United States
    October 8, 2023
    Festival Premier
    Best Student Narrative Feature
  • Virginia Queer Film Festival

    United States
    Honorable Mention
Director Biography - Jakob Spruce

Jakob Spruce is a multidisciplinary theatre artist born and raised in the heart of Appalachia. He is a member of the Dramatists Guild, AFT-Kanawha, West Virginia Theatre Association, and the Educational Theatre Association. Jakob is an educator that places a great emphasis on restorative justice and theatrical intimacy practices in the classroom and rehearsal room. Trained in mental health first aid, Jakob seeks to create safe and inclusive work environments that allow for positive, collaborative artistic expression in everything he does.

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Director Statement

The story of "What I Want" begins as a typical teen drama: a girl nervous about her first year of college. However, as things unfold, the layers of witchcraft in the school's dance company begin to take hold on our main character, Chloe. With a lesbian protagonist in this story, the dance company's pressures on Chloe embody multiple metaphors-- the pressure to do what is expected of you by both other people and yourself, the pressure to conform to heteronormative standards, and the pressure to use your body for the gain of others.

With completely original music and choreography, I sought to tell a modern story that is relatable to many audiences. Whether you are a 15 year old girl struggling with your future, a 35 year old horror film buff, or a lover of musical theatre, there are themes and moments in "What I Want" that you will relate to.