Netflix’s The Life List is an emotional drama that explores themes of grief, self-discovery, and the pursuit of long-lost dreams. Based on Lori Nelson Spielman’s bestselling novel, the film follows a young woman on a journey of personal growth. It is guided by messages left behind by her late mother. Despite its heartfelt premise, the film struggles to deliver the emotional depth it aims for. Resulting in a story that feels overly neat and predictable.
A Story of Dreams and Loss
The movie centers around Alex, played by Sofia Carson, a woman who has put aside her childhood dreams to work for her mother’s cosmetics company. When her mother, played by Connie Britton, passes away, Alex is left with a life-changing challenge—she must complete a childhood list of dreams before receiving her inheritance. Each completed task unlocks a recorded message from her mother, pushing her to step outside her comfort zone.
The story takes Alex through a series of transformative experiences, joining a mosh pit, attempting stand-up comedy, and reevaluating her love life. However, while these moments are meant to be empowering, they often feel more like predictable plot points rather than genuine growth.
A Predictable Narrative
Director Adam Brooks, known for Definitely, Maybe and French Kiss, brings his signature romantic-comedy touch to the film. However, instead of delivering the emotional highs and lows expected in a movie about grief and self-discovery, The Life List remains too polished and formulaic.
The relationship between Alex and her mother is one of the film’s most compelling aspects. Britton brings warmth and depth to her role, making the mother-daughter connection feel authentic. Yet, the film fails to explore this relationship fully, often prioritizing Alex’s romantic life over her personal journey.
Sofia Carson’s Performance
Sofia Carson, best known for Disney’s Descendants, plays Alex with charm and sincerity. However, her portrayal lacks the rawness needed to make Alex’s struggles truly resonate. Her character is described as a mess, but everything about her, from her appearance to her behavior, feels too carefully curated to be believable.
A Missed Opportunity for a Stronger Story
While The Life List has an interesting premise, it ultimately falls into the trap of being another feel-good romance rather than a deep exploration of grief and personal growth. The film introduces Alex’s passion for teaching but quickly brushes it aside in favor of a love story. This focus on romance over self-fulfillment is a recurring issue in films centered around female protagonists, reinforcing outdated storytelling tropes.
Despite its visually appealing Manhattan and Brooklyn locations and nostalgic references to early 2000s rom-coms. The Life List fails to deliver a truly moving experience. The film is too polished, its emotions too neatly packaged. Its lead performance too controlled to leave a lasting impact.
For those seeking a lighthearted, sentimental watch, The Life List may be worth a try. However, for viewers looking for a deeply moving story about self-discovery and grief, this film may not hit the mark.
