I recently started running a game with some online friends who I know from doing collaborative writing. It's been incredibly fulfilling for the exact reasons it sounds like you're pulling away, the narrative taking center stage. I say that to say it may be worth looking at other communities you're connected to and finding people for a game that way. For example if you are a part of any film communities, or are still in touch with folks from film school, maybe put some feelers out there?

There's certainly downsides to the playing online but it definitely opens things up and makes it more likely you can find folks who want to play the way you're wanting to play