Genre: Comedy, romance, drama
The Life List is a refreshing, heartwarming story about finding one’s purpose, dealing with grief and revisiting one’s childhood aspirations.
After the death of her mother, Alex (played by Sofia Carson) receives notice from the executor that she needs to complete the goals on a life list she made when she was 13 years old, in order to receive her share of the inheritance.
She embarks on a journey to complete the list under the guidance of a lawyer named Brad (played by Kyle Allen).
Some of the activities on the list include learning to drive a car, doing standup comedy, getting a tattoo, reading Moby Dick and learning to play Clair de Lune on the piano. There are also a few less simple tasks such as making amends with her father, being a great teacher and finding true love.
Alex’s journey is one that many can relate to. She is close to the age of 30 and is still unsure of exactly what she wants to do with her life. The list that she made at the age of 13 seems a bit silly at first, but it helps her answer questions about her life that she didn’t even know she had.
Carson’s ability to shift from light, comedic moments to deeply emotional scenes add depth to the film and makes Alex’s journey feel authentic and relatable.
She and Allen have great chemistry, and he shows support for her character in a really admirable way.
He supports her through the grief and the uncertainty that comes with completing each challenge.
Connie Britton plays Elizabeth, Alex’s mother, who provides gentle guidance and words of comfort through pre-recorded videos. In each video, she explains why each task is so important and the significance of the lessons she learns along the way. These moments are particularly powerful because they highlight Carson’s strength in portraying on-screen vulnerability.
The film is an easy watch, and even though it deals with death, it is not emotionally heavy. There are an equal number of funny moments, and serious moments that allow for reflections. It handles themes of healing, second chances, family bonds, and honouring one’s past with care and sincerity.
The overall story is predictable, especially where Alex and Brad’s relationship is concerned but it is still a heartwarming story that makes for a great bedtime watch.
The Life List is available for streaming on Netflix
