In case you missed it, Netflix released its newest romantic comedy-drama, The Life List, on March 28. The film, directed by Adam Brooks and adapted from the novel by Lori Nelson Spielman, stars many notable actors, including former Disney Channel star Sofia Carson, The Map of Tiny Perfect Things star Kyle Allen, and American Ultra star Connie Britton.
The Life List follows Alex, Sofia Carson’s character, an independent but stubborn young woman who seems to have it all: a job at her mother’s cosmetics company and a somewhat immature, but loving, boyfriend. However, she still feels like something is missing from her life.
After the passing of her mother, Alex faces an unexpected journey to claim her inheritance — she must complete the bucket list she made at 13, guided by videos left by her mom, an attractive young lawyer, and many others she meets throughout the journey.
The Life List ratings, so far, are quite mixed. Despite it sitting at No. 1 on Netflix’s top global films for the last two weeks, the film only has a 6.9 IMDb rating and a score of 45 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, many calling it “predictable” with a “narcissistic protagonist.” Others say it’s a cute and heartwarming movie; it just lacks a big conflict that many are looking for.
Before you decide on whether or not to add The Life List to your watch list, as someone who’s seen the movie, here’s my honest review:
Casting & Characters
To be honest, Sofia Carson was the only cast member that I’d heard of before watching the film. Despite this, the overall casting did not disappoint. The concept of the movie was strong enough that a ton of big-name actors and actresses weren’t needed, allowing some lesser-known actors to finally get their chance to shine. I also feel they did a great job in casting romantic interests, with diverse male leads that all girls can obsess over.
In terms of the actual characters themselves, my emotions are all over the place. I loved the deep mother-daughter connection that was shown between Alex and her mom throughout the film, especially since they continued showing that relationship, even after her mother passed away through the videos Alex’s mom left behind for her. These heartwarming interactions had me tearing up several times.
I thought that all of the characters’ personalities were very relatable. Specifically, Alex’s character, as she embarked on her journey of self-discovery, which is something many young women are likely familiar with.
On the other hand, the film fell short in terms of character development, especially because the events all took place over an entire year. Although I do believe Alex learned some valuable things about herself and her life on her bucket-list journey, it didn’t seem like she grew much as a person or that her life view drastically changed.
The supporting characters have some growing to do to make up for the lack of development Alex has, including Alex’s dad, Samuel, as well as Brad and Garret, her two romantic interests throughout the film.
Overall, I rate the casting and characters a 7.5 out of 10.
The Life List Plot
With the film’s plot, my feelings and opinions are also all over the place.
The build-up to the final item on Alex’s bucket list, which is finding her one true love, is something the plot does well. I like how several different romantic interests in Alex’s life are explored, including Brad, her mom’s lawyer, and Garret, her coworker. This adds more to the film, rather than Alex simply moving from one thing to the next or crossing out everything on her bucket list as fast as possible.
What the plot lacks, however, is conflict and a big climax. Along with character development, there are very few monumental moments throughout the film, making almost every plot point somewhat predictable. I would’ve liked to see a bigger turning point or exciting plot twist that came out of nowhere and changed the direction of the film.
Spoiler alert ahead: I did get my hopes up when Alex drove up to Vermont to meet her biological father, but I was disappointed when they dropped him from the storyline despite making it seem like he wanted to be involved in her life.
With all of this in mind, I rate the plot an 8 out of 10.
The Life List may not be the greatest rom-com-drama of all time, but it did pull at my heartstrings and made me teary-eyed several times. It’s a simple, feel-good movie that I recommend every young woman watch.
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