The Choice is a documentary that does more than recount history—it reaches into the soul of the viewer and asks what remains ours when everything else is taken. Directed by John David Coles, the film weaves together the lives of three women across generations, each bearing the scars of war, captivity, and unspeakable loss. At its center is Dr. Edith Eger, the Holocaust survivor and psychologist whose New York Times bestselling memoir The Choice: Embrace the Possible has guided millions toward healing. This is not merely a film about trauma; it is a spiritual meditation on the human capacity to choose hope, even in the darkest of circumstances.
The documentary opens with archival footage of Eger’s public appearances and intimate interviews, setting the stage for a narrative that moves between past and present. As Eger’s wisdom becomes a lifeline for Iris Haim, an Israeli mother whose son was taken hostage, and Sapir Cohen, a young woman who survived captivity in Gaza, the film builds a quiet, powerful case for faith in the midst of grief. For anyone seeking a story that uplifts without sugarcoating, The Choice offers a rare and resonant experience.
What is The Choice?
The Choice is a feature documentary that interweaves the stories of three women: the late Dr. Edith Eger herself, Iris Haim, and Sapir Cohen. Through archival footage, audio recordings, and present-day interviews, the film explores how trauma echoes across generations—and how the courage to choose one’s response can break that cycle. The central pillar of Eger’s life and work is that while we cannot change what has happened, we can always choose how to live now.
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Directed by John David Coles and produced by a team including Jason Orans and Pamela Ryan, the film runs 84 minutes and is presented in 4K with 5.1 audio. It won the Brizzolara Family Foundation Award for Films of Conflict & Resolution at the 2026 Hamptons International Film Festival and is in consideration for the Academy Award for Best Feature Documentary. This is a film that aims not just to inform, but to transform.
What stands out
Dr. Edith Eger’s living legacy
Eger’s teachings are not confined to the page—they are embodied by the women whose stories unfold alongside hers. The film captures her voice through archival recordings and public appearances, allowing her message of radical choice to feel immediate and urgent. Her presence, even in memory, anchors the documentary with moral clarity.
Three intersecting narratives
The decision to follow Iris Haim and Sapir Cohen gives the film a contemporary urgency. Haim’s son Yotam was taken hostage on October 7 and later killed in a tragic friendly-fire incident. Cohen survived 55 days in captivity. Their journeys toward forgiveness and purpose are not linear, and the film honors their complexity without imposing resolution.
Cinematic and emotional craft
Director John David Coles balances intimate interviews with sweeping archival material, moving between eras with fluidity. The original score by Ofer Shabi and Yaniv Fridel, along with narration by Tovah Feldshuh, deepens the emotional resonance. Every frame serves the story’s central question: What remains ours when everything is stripped away?
Who it’s for
This documentary is ideally suited for viewers interested in faith, spirituality, and the psychology of resilience. It will speak powerfully to those who have experienced loss or trauma, as well as to communities examining intergenerational healing. Faith-based groups, book clubs that have read Eger’s memoir, and anyone seeking a story of profound hope will find this film deeply rewarding.
Educators and counselors working with trauma survivors may also appreciate the documentary’s nuanced portrayal of choice and agency. While the subject matter is heavy, the film’s tone is never exploitative; it invites reflection rather than despair. It is a film made for sharing and discussion.
What makes it worth considering
The Choice stands apart from typical documentaries about trauma because it refuses to look away from suffering while simultaneously pointing toward a way forward. It does not offer easy answers but instead models a kind of spiritual stamina that feels rare in contemporary media. The film’s ability to connect a Holocaust survivor’s wisdom to the current crisis in the Middle East gives it a pressing, modern relevance.
For those who appreciate narrative nonfiction that doubles as a tool for personal growth, this documentary is a valuable resource. It provides a framework for understanding how resilience travels across generations and how small acts of humanity can preserve dignity in inhuman conditions. The film is an experience that lingers long after the credits roll.
Verdict
The Choice is a profoundly moving documentary that inspires viewers to embrace the power of choice in the face of unimaginable suffering. It earns a strong recommendation for anyone seeking depth, faith, and real emotional impact.
Learn more about the The Choice Documentary on the official Abramorama website.
Frequently asked questions
The documentary follows Holocaust survivor Dr. Edith Egeru2019s legacy, interweaving her story with those of two other women profoundly impacted by captivity and loss.
Dr. Eger is a renowned psychologist, Holocaust survivor, and author of the bestselling memoir The Choice: Embrace the Possible. She dedicated her life to helping others heal from trauma.
Yes, it is inspired by Dr. Edith Egeru2019s New York Times bestselling memoir The Choice: Embrace the Possible.
The documentary opens theatrically in New York on January 15, 2026, with a national rollout to follow. A global virtual watch event is also planned for November 19, 2025.
Yes, the documentaryu2019s themes of resilience, forgiveness, and inner freedom align closely with faith and spirituality, making it deeply relevant for such audiences.
