Netflix’s Interactive Rom-Com ‘Choose Love’ Might Be Too Overwhelming

Cami Conway (Laura Marano) is seemingly living the dream. She’s firmly established in her desired profession as a recording engineer and stands on the brink of embracing an idyllic future with her devoted boyfriend, Paul (Scott Michael Foster). Yet, there’s an inexplicable void gnawing at her heart. Is this sensation merely the apprehension of missing out (FOMO), a common thread that accompanies the commitment-phobic whispers? Or does it signify a genuine longing for a different path—an alternate career that once seemed unattainable, like the singing career she once fervently aspired to?

The presence of Paul introduces an essential question: Is he the person with whom she’s destined to share her life’s journey? But what if fate has other designs? What if fate strides into her life in the form of Rex Galier (Avan Jogia), the irresistibly charming British rock sensation? Could he be the one who awakens her irrepressible feelings? Alternatively, might the answer lie with Jack Menna (Jordi Webber), her initial love, the wistful adventurer whose departure marked him as “the one that got away”? With his return, the embers of their youthful ardor are ready to be rekindled.

Cami is thrust into a whirlwind of alluring yet challenging choices, encompassing moral quandaries of significant gravity and the frivolity of games like “Truth or Dare.” Her trajectory is guided entirely by you, the viewer. But take heed! The course of events doesn’t always unfold as anticipated, injecting an element of unpredictability into the mix.

In the enthralling tapestry of “Choose Love,” Cami’s life is in your hands. Your choices shape her fate, weaving together an intricate narrative that explores the junctures of life, love, and destiny. The diverse array of potential paths ensures that every decision carries weight, and each outcome is tinged with the tantalizing allure of the unknown. As you make your choices, remember that the journey might not mirror your expectations, adding a layer of intrigue to this interactive romantic odyssey.

When indulging in a rom-com, the usual desire is to observe characters experiencing the ebbs and flows of love, navigating their own path of growth, setbacks, and self-discovery. This narrative portrays a dreamlike realm, a fantasy that provides a pleasurable and effortless viewing experience. However, when the responsibility shifts to the viewer to chart the course themselves, the dynamics change. The once-simple act of enjoying the show becomes slightly daunting, and the enjoyment wanes with each choice made. This shift can lead to a heightened sense of overwhelm, adding an extra layer of complexity to the experience.

Despite its aspirations toward originality, “Choose Love” ultimately succumbs to the familiar trappings of algorithm-generated content, resulting in a disappointing outcome. Our digital landscape is already saturated with an overwhelming array of decisions, an infinite array of choices meticulously curated to align with our past viewing patterns, personal histories, and preferences. The burden of choice has now extended its reach to our entertainment experience, and the result is far from enjoyable.