Netflix Choose Love review

Before I could begin watching Netflix‘s first-of-its-kind interactive rom-com, Choose Love, I thought – How often have we been annoyed at the outcomes our beloved protagonists choose for themselves? Far too many, actually.

And if there’s something we have to live with for the rest of our lives, it is the pain of not having the story we’ve invested so much time in end our way (How I Met Your Mother producers, we’re looking at you!). Of course, with that thought, I tuned into Netflix’s one-hour, seventeen-minute movie with zero expectations, and here’s my Choose Love review.

Choose Love plot

The story begins with Cami Conway (Laura Marano) consulting a tarot reader about ‘something missing’ in her picture-perfect life. Conway is a thriving recording engineer in a long-term relationship with her boyfriend, Paul (Scott Michael Foster), a lawyer. However, she often finds herself thinking about the possible what-ifs. Typically, the tarot reader tells her that her life is about to be shaken up with not one — but three love interests — who will sweep her off her feet. 

Not long after this revelation, Cami notices how the premonitions by the reader are, in fact, accurate. For one, she runs into Jack (Jordi Webber), her handsome teenage sweetheart who got away, the very next day. Cut to her regular day at work, where she realises that Rex (Avan Jogia), a pop sensation and heartthrob of many, is now recording at her studio. While her life with Paul seems near-perfect, our protagonist has to face the consequences of the choices we help her make for herself.

The storyline throws several options along the way, enabling you to drive Cami to pick the best suitor for herself. Ultimately, the plot boils down to what you, the viewer, thinks is your favourite cliche and ends with a finale you’re satisfied with.

Choose Love storyline choices

The narrative is straightforward, with Cami breaking the fourth wall and asking us questions. The choices and questions are paced evenly, with a life-changing alteration popping up on the screen every five to seven minutes. Most questions were simple yes or no questions, and some certainly required a little more thought. However, in both these cases, you get a 10-second timer to help Cami choose.

I found myself selecting all the traditionally wrong answers for her, only to see where the storyline takes her. But, no matter what you choose, you will graciously guide her to pick a happy ending, regardless of her disastrous decisions. Of course, if you’re unhappy with any of the outcomes, the storyline allows you to undo your last choice or take you back to a crucial turning point in Cami’s life — after the movie ends.

Choose Love review verdict

I was sold on the idea of choosing my preferred ending, but a lot of the movie’s plot felt poorly constructed owing to the number of decisions that were conferred upon the viewers. And since there is no correct answer, it eventually boils down to the love interest that interests you as a viewer — not that we’re complaining — but the storyline unquestionably lacks an antagonist!

The interactive element was a welcome addition but having an option every 10 minutes could disrupt your viewing flow. It may not allow you the ‘traditional’ happy ending experience. While it was meant to be tailored, we couldn’t help but wonder if love should be all algorithm. Nevertheless, Choose Love has the potential to be a glorious sleepover movie for your girl’s night in.