An enemies-to-lovers romance with the emotional depth of Nicholas Sparks’ writing, The Choice is a combination of a feel-good narrative with an impassioned message about embracing every part of yourself, good or bad. Like every screen adaptation of The Notebook’s author’s work, this movie is a bitter-sweet story that is based on the tough choices we make in the span of our lives.
Actor Benjamin Walker plays one-half of the destined lovers, Travis Shaw, a veterinarian living in the South. A ladies’ man through and through with little to no belief in serious relationships except with that of his sister Steph, Travis dabbles in the occasional dating scene with a fellow resident of the town, Monica, and pursuits his aloof outlook of life throwing barbecues, swimming, and sailing.
But things change when med student Gabby (Teresa Palmer), with a committed long-distance boyfriend (Tom Welling), moves in next door. What ensues is a ‘hate at first sight camaraderie between the neighbors, which slowly creeps into an undeniable attraction as the two bonds over some adorable puppies.
Despite himself, Travis finds himself falling for the girl next door, with the obvious issue of her boyfriend in the way. Fate brings them both to a standstill as they face consequential choices and heart-wrenching confrontations. A story of young love, marriage, family, and grief, The Choice doesn’t disappoint as a work of the legendary author of Last Song, Nicholas Sparks.
The director, Ross Katz, adds commendable cinematography and beautiful landscapes that will have you wondering about The Choice filming locations as you sit through this saga.
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The Choice: Where was the coastal love story shot?
Each scene in this movie adds to its appeal of being a comforting romance drama, with its picturesque background, well-themed score, and laudable acting by the cast. If you want to experience the scenic views we are talking about, stream The Choice now on Amazon Prime Video.
Wilmington, North Carolina
Shot during the months of October through November, the principal filming of the movie took place in the attractions of the port city of southeastern North Carolina, like the Dockside Restaurant, Bridge Tender Marina, and more at Wrightsville Beach.
The director decided to conjure the written work to real life in the same area it was originally based in, a feat not often seen and enabled the viewers to experience the authenticity of the writing. The author doesn’t fall short at all in incredibly describing the vast luscious landscapes of North Carolina and the beguiling serenity of the coastline and the rivers offered by the state. The filmography is equally at par in translating it onto our screens and giving us the complete The Choice experience.
The Dockside Restaurant and Bar, as well as the Brasserie du Soleil, a French culinary establishment, are actual locations where the fans can enjoy and recreate the magic of the movie in Wilmington. Owing to the number of films filmed in Wilmington (a surprising number have been Nicholas Sparks adaptations itself), the city gained the nickname of ‘Wilmywood.’
With the majority of the scenes having been shot in the vicinity of the city itself, it won’t be hard to walk around and come across the rented waterfront property where the gorgeous houses of the two neighbors in question were situated. However, if you are wondering about Gabby’s dream-like country house, then you will be surprised to know that it was designed and built from scratch just for the filming and had to be destroyed for consequent scenes in the movie involving a hurricane.
The scenes from the picnic on the island where Travis, Gabby, and others go via the boat are shot on Masonboro Island, along with the ending scene of the gazebo. Airlie Gardens of Wilmington also have a debut in some of the notable sections of the film. The mesmerizing and idyllic canoe scene between Gabby and Travis was also shot in parts of the city and is also available for tourists to explore now.
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