The Choice (2016)
Story overview
The Choice is a 2016 romantic drama about two neighbors who develop a relationship despite their different personalities and life circumstances. The film explores themes of love, commitment, and difficult decisions that test the strength of their bond. As their connection deepens, they face challenges that force them to confront what truly matters in life and relationships.
Parent Guide
A romantic drama focusing on adult relationships with emotional themes suitable for teenagers with parental guidance.
Content breakdown
May contain minor arguments or emotional conflicts between characters.
Contains emotional situations and relationship drama that might be intense for younger viewers.
May include mild language appropriate for PG-13 rating.
Contains romantic situations and kissing typical of romantic dramas.
May include social drinking in adult settings.
Deals with relationship conflicts, emotional decisions, and adult themes.
Parent tips
This PG-13 rated romantic drama focuses on adult relationships and emotional themes that may be more suitable for older children and teenagers. Parents should be aware that the film deals with mature relationship dynamics and emotional situations that younger viewers might not fully understand. Consider watching with your teen to discuss the relationship choices and values presented in the story.
Parent chat guide
Parent follow-up questions
- What did you think about the people in the movie?
- Did you see any animals in the movie?
- What was your favorite part of the movie?
- How did the people talk to each other?
- What colors did you see in the movie?
- What did you notice about how the characters became friends?
- How did the characters help each other in the movie?
- What choices did the characters have to make?
- How did the characters show they cared about each other?
- What would you do if you had to make a hard choice like in the movie?
- What did you think about the relationship between the main characters?
- How did the characters handle disagreements or challenges?
- What values did the characters show in their decisions?
- How did the setting or environment affect the story?
- What did you learn about relationships from this movie?
- How realistic did you find the relationship dynamics in the film?
- What did you think about the ethical choices the characters faced?
- How did the film portray commitment and responsibility in relationships?
- What themes about love and life did the movie explore?
- How might different choices have changed the outcome of the story?
🎭 Story Kernel
The movie's core isn't the love triangle between Travis, Gabby, and Ryan, but the internal conflict between authenticity and societal expectation. Travis's journey from carefree bachelor to responsible partner isn't about changing for Gabby, but about shedding the persona he created to avoid vulnerability. Gabby's choice between the stable doctor and the unpredictable neighbor reflects her struggle between the life she's supposed to want and the messy reality she actually desires. The film's central tension comes from characters confronting whether they'll choose the safe narrative or the complicated truth of their own hearts.
🎬 Visual Aesthetics
The cinematography creates distinct visual worlds: the warm, golden-hour glow of Travis's waterfront property represents freedom and authenticity, while the cooler, more composed lighting in Ryan's medical environments symbolizes controlled perfection. Director Ross Katz uses tight close-ups during emotional revelations, making the audience complicit in private moments. Water imagery flows throughout—from the shared dock to the storm—serving as both literal connection and metaphor for life's unpredictable currents. The visual progression mirrors the emotional arc, moving from vibrant, saturated colors in early romance to more muted tones during conflict, then back to warmth with earned resolution.
🔍 Details & Easter Eggs
💡 Behind the Scenes
Benjamin Walker (Travis) and Teresa Palmer (Gabby) had immediate chemistry during their first table read, leading director Ross Katz to incorporate more improvisation into their scenes. The waterfront homes were filmed in Wilmington, North Carolina, with the production designing Travis's house to feel authentically 'lived-in' versus Ryan's more sterile spaces. Alexandra Daddario, who plays Gabby's sister, was originally considered for the lead role. The film's dog actors required special training to perform specific emotional cues during key scenes.
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Trailer
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