THE CHOICE
A predictable romance marred by sexual impurity and poor quality.
Should You Watch It?
THE CHOICE offers the familiar Nicholas Sparks combination of romance, beautiful scenery, Christian references, and predictable obstacles. Gabby’s belief in God receives serious attention, and the film eventually extols marriage. It also includes a positive pro-life message.
Those positives are marred by Gabby’s sexual impurity and unfaithfulness, along with Travis’ humanist perspective and plenty of foul language. The source review also finds the quality lacking, including some poor performances.
Because the film has real romantic and Christian content but carries a −2 Family Content rating, it is not suitable for children or young teens. If you are a discerning adult who wants to see it, wait for home, where you can control the experience.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESGabby is focused on becoming a doctor, but her plans are disrupted by her loud, partying neighbor, Travis. When she believes her dog has become pregnant by his dog, she confronts him, leading them to a veterinarian who happens to be Travis’ father and employer.
As Gabby and Travis keep encountering each other, sparks begin to fly. But Gabby already has a boyfriend, and Travis does not share her Christian faith.
Is It Any Good?
Two stars means THE CHOICE has some entertainment value but falls short in quality. The setting is beautiful, and fans of Nicholas Sparks may enjoy the familiar romantic themes.
The story is predictable, as is common with Sparks’ novels and movies. The review also notes some poor performances and says the overall quality is a little lacking. The result is an entertaining romance that does not rise above its formula.
The Worldview
THE CHOICE presents a predominantly romantic worldview built around following your heart. Gabby believes in God and makes an argument for belief in Him. She also takes Travis to church. Travis, however, argues for humanism, though the film may ultimately suggest that he comes to faith.
The film’s Christian references are undermined by its moral choices. Gabby defends belief in God but then sleeps with Travis while she is in a relationship. The review identifies this as sexual impurity and unfaithfulness. Marriage is honored by the end, but the film does not present premarital sex as unacceptable. Its positive pro-life message is another strength, though the review says the film’s positives are marred by promiscuity and foul language.
The film’s longing for love and marriage points toward a good gift, but Scripture calls that gift to faithfulness and purity: “Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled” (Hebrews 13:4).
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
Content Summary
Predominantly Romantic worldview of follow your heart with some Christian content when main characters have a conversation about God, the main actress takes the leading man to church, but he still makes an argument for humanism though may ultimately come to faith; 23 obscenities, 12 profanities, and woman uses middle finger; car accident; sex outside of marriage, also character is sleeping with someone who is not her boyfriend; upper male nudity; light drinking; no smoking or drug use; and, lying.
Talk About It
Questions for the drive home, the dinner table, or the youth group.
Gabby argues for belief in God, while Travis argues for humanism. How would you explain why you believe in God?
1 Peter 3:15 · Romans 1:20The film follows the idea of following your heart. When should our feelings be tested rather than obeyed?
Jeremiah 17:9 · Proverbs 3:5–6What makes marriage worthy of honor, and how does unfaithfulness damage people?
Hebrews 13:4 · Ephesians 5:25–33The review identifies a positive pro-life message. Why does Scripture say human life has value?
Psalm 139:13–16 · Genesis 1:27The Final Word
THE CHOICE has beautiful scenery, familiar romance, Christian references, and a message that eventually extols marriage. But its weak quality, sexual impurity, unfaithfulness, and foul language make it unsuitable for children and young teens. For discerning adults, WAIT FOR HOME — ADULTS ONLY.
