Millicent Simmonds, Troy Kotsur, Nyle DiMarco Lead Thriller ‘Alone’

EXCLUSIVE: Writer-director Garrett Patten has recently wrapped filming Alone, a psychological thriller short he directed and co-wrote with Tiziano Tucci, starring BAFTA-nominated A Quiet Place actor Millicent Simmonds, Oscar winner Troy Kotsur, Emmy nominee Nyle DiMarco (Deaf President Now!) and two-time Tony winner Phylicia Rashad (Creed).

The film, which features a majority deaf cast, has wrapped principal photography in Brooklyn and is currently in post-production. James Broderick and Cameron Sault round out the cast.

Simmonds leads the film as Samantha, “a deaf woman living alone who receives an advanced humanoid robot designed to make her life easier. But as the machine learns her routines, emotions and past, their growing connection takes a dark and unsettling turn.”

The project was produced by Patten and veteran producer Tiziano Tucci, alongside DFA’s Brenda Linkous and Austin Lantero for Range Media Partners. William Lowery of Range Media Partners and David Keinath of DFA serve as executive producers. Orlando Herrera served as director of photography.

We hear the filmmakers are hoping to make a feature out of the short, ideally with the same actors.

“Alone was an incredibly special project to direct,” said Patten. “I had the opportunity to work with an extraordinary cast who brought so much depth and humanity to the story. The film also touches on themes that feel incredibly relevant right now — AI, isolation, connection, trust and our growing dependence on technology.”

“What begins as a story about a woman and a machine ultimately asks some very human questions about companionship and how far we’re willing to let technology into our lives,” Patten continued. “I’m incredibly proud of what we created together and excited to bring the film to life in post-production.”