The Life List Review: Is Netflix’s The Life List worth watching? Dive into our spoiler-free review exploring Sofia Carson’s performance, Connie Britton’s emotional depth, and the film’s struggle to balance romance with self-discovery.
Introduction
The Life List, Netflix’s latest romantic drama starring Sofia Carson (Purple Hearts, Carry-On) and Connie Britton (Friday Night Lights), premiered on March 28, 2025, to mixed reviews. Directed by Adam Brooks (Definitely, Maybe), the film adapts Lori Nelson Spielman’s novel about a grieving daughter completing her childhood bucket list to claim an inheritance from her late mother. While praised for its emotional core and nostalgic New York City backdrop, critics argue it falters with pacing issues and predictable tropes.
The Life List Review and Plot Summary
Alex Rose (Sofia Carson) faces a life-altering challenge after her mother, Elizabeth (Connie Britton), dies of cancer. In her will, Elizabeth tasks Alex with completing a “life list” she wrote at age 13, which includes goals like performing stand-up comedy, reconnecting with her estranged father, and finding true love. With the help of lawyer Brad (Kyle Allen) and a series of pre-recorded messages from her mother, Alex embarks on a year-long journey of self-discovery—though her path is marred by romantic detours and unresolved family tensions.
Set against New York City’s “lived-in” neighborhoods, the film blends coming-of-age themes with a mother-daughter dynamic reminiscent of PS I Love You. However, its focus on Alex’s love life often overshadows deeper explorations of grief and personal growth.
Strengths
1. Connie Britton’s Emotional Anchoring
Britton shines as Elizabeth, delivering warmth and gravitas in limited screen time. Her posthumous video messages provide the film’s most poignant moments, particularly a scene where Alex watches her mother’s final advice—a moment Carson calls “beautiful and emotional”
2. Nostalgic New York City Setting
Brooks avoids “postcard shots” of NYC, opting instead for authentic locales like Ditmas Park and the Brooklyn Promenade. This approach grounds the story, evoking the charm of 90s/00s rom-coms while emphasizing Alex’s connection to her roots.
3. Chemistry Between Sofia Carson and Kyle
AllenCarson and Allen’s playful rapport offers levity, especially in scenes where their characters bond during road trips and late-night conversations. Allen’s Brad, a supportive yet flawed confidant, helps humanize Alex’s journey.
4. Themes of Legacy and Reinvention
The film’s central message—revisiting childhood dreams to rediscover purpose—resonates in moments like Alex’s piano recital or her heartfelt reconciliation with her father (José Zúñiga). These scenes highlight Brooks’ decade-long passion for the project, influenced by his own family experiences.
Weaknesses
1. Pacing and Bloated Runtime
At 125 minutes, The Life List struggles with sluggish pacing, particularly in early episodes that prioritize mood over momentum. Subplots, like Alex’s underdeveloped teaching career or her brothers’ interchangeable personalities, add little to her arc.
2. Predictable Romantic Tropes
The film leans heavily on clichés: a love triangle with Sebastian de Souza’s Garrett, a jealous ex-girlfriend (Maria Jung), and a finale where Alex chases Brad to declare her feelings. Critics note these elements feel “as depthless as a ‘live, laugh, love’ placard”.
3. Superficial Character Growth
Despite completing her list, Alex’s transformation feels unearned. Her selfish tendencies—like using Garrett to check off tasks—go unaddressed, leaving her emotional labor incomplete. Even her teaching subplot, meant to showcase growth, is quickly sidelined.
4. Sofia Carson’s Limited Range
While Carson delivers moments of wit and vulnerability, critics argue she lacks the “magnetic pull” needed to anchor such a personal story. Her performance, reminiscent of Purple Hearts, often prioritizes angst over nuance.
Final Verdict
The Life List is a mixed bag. Fans of Carson’s previous work or heartfelt mother-daughter stories may find value in its tear-jerking moments and Britton’s standout performance. However, its formulaic structure and lack of character depth make it a flawed entry in the rom-dram genre.
Rating: 6.5/10
CTA: Stream The Life List on Netflix for a bittersweet exploration of grief—but temper expectations for groundbreaking storytelling.
Q: Is The Life List suitable for kids?
A: No—it contains mature themes related to grief, cancer, and brief suggestive content.
Q: How long is the movie?
A: 125 minutes, though critics argue it could have been trimmed to 90.
Q: Is there a sequel planned?
A: Netflix has not confirmed a sequel, but the ambiguous ending leaves room for one.
Q: Is the life list concept based on real legends?
A: No, though Spielman’s novel and Brooks’ script draw from universal themes of legacy and self-discovery.