The Life List – (2025)

Release Date: March 28, 2025
Director: Adam Brooks
Starring: Sofia Carson, Connie Britton, Kyle Allen, Sebastian de Souza

So, there I was, scrolling through Netflix’s trending section when The Life List caught my eye—it was number one, and you know what that means. Sofia Carson, fresh off her roles in Purple Hearts and Carry-On, graces the screen—and let's be real, the woman's got presence. Not a bad way to spend an evening, right? I didn’t do much research beforehand, but I figured I’d give it a go. Sometimes you just have to press play and see if your life suddenly starts making sense (or at least if your popcorn is worth it).

The Plot: A Journey Through Life’s Highs and Lows

The film kicks off with Alex (Carson) getting hit with a gut-wrenching bombshell: her mom is on her last leg. Already stuck in a dead-end job and a relationship that’s going nowhere faster than my Wi-Fi on a stormy day, Alex is feeling pretty lost. Then, as if life decided to add extra spice to the misery, she finds out that to claim her inheritance, she must complete a “life list” she scribbled down as a teenager. Yep, the same list you probably forgot about in your old notebook. It’s like a scavenger hunt for grown-ups—with emotional baggage included as a free bonus.

Over a two-hour ride—slightly longer than your average Netflix special, but hey, who doesn’t enjoy a good binge?—Alex embarks on a journey that’s equal parts tear-jerking and laugh-out-loud funny. One minute you’re reaching for a tissue, the next you’re laughing at the absurdity of it all. It’s a rollercoaster that might just leave you questioning if you’ve been living life on the right track (or at least if you remembered to add “call mom” to your list).

Behind the Scenes: Direction, Cinematography, and More

Directed by Adam Brooks—best known for Definitely, Maybe and Imposters—The Life List brings Lori Nelson Spielman’s 2013 novel to life with a blend of humor and heart. Brooks strikes a balance between heavy drama and quirky comedy, though sometimes it feels like the film’s trying to juggle too many emotional bowling pins at once.

Cinematographer Florian Ballhaus does a fantastic job capturing the vibrant pulse of New York City. Filming in iconic spots like Washington Square Park and the Brooklyn Promenade, Ballhaus makes sure the city isn’t just a backdrop—it’s practically a star in its own right. And let’s be honest, nothing says “find yourself” like a perfectly shot sunset over the city that never sleeps (or sometimes, just never stops honking).

The Cast: Sofia Carson Shines, But Some Parts Feel Underdeveloped

Let’s talk about the performances. Sofia Carson really carries this film—like, if she were a shopping cart, she’d be loaded with all the goods. I was genuinely impressed with her ability to flip between raw, heart-wrenching moments and light, humorous scenes. When the film gets heavy, she’s vulnerable in all the right ways; when it’s time to laugh, she nails those silly moments that make you forget you were ever feeling blue. There are several tear-jerking scenes that make you want to reach for a tissue, balanced perfectly with her playful charm that makes you grin like a goof.

The supporting cast, while competent, sometimes feels like they’re just along for Carson’s emotional rollercoaster ride. Kyle Allen, portraying Brad—the lawyer who turns into her love interest—shares a chemistry with Carson that’s as sweet as it is believable. Still, I couldn’t help but wish we got a little more insight into their connection. Brad is supportive and all that, but sometimes he feels as flat as an under-proofed soufflé compared to the emotional feast that is Alex’s journey.

Then there’s Connie Britton as Elizabeth, Alex’s late mother. Even with limited screen time, Britton leaves a lasting impression that lingers like that one catchy jingle you can’t shake off. The film also tries to juggle multiple family dynamics—Alex’s siblings, her extended family, and the twist about her real father (spoiler: it’s not the guy she thought). This adds layers of drama, even if sometimes it feels like they’re stuffing in too many plot twists like extra toppings on a pizza.

Public Reception: Cheers, Jeers, and a Dash of Controversy

Despite my casual approach, The Life List has stirred up a cocktail of reactions. The film debuted at the top of Netflix’s trending list, with viewers raving about its emotional rollercoaster and even rethinking their own “life lists” (apparently, a few folks have dusted off their old notebooks after watching). But not everyone’s clapping—critics have been mixed. Some say the tonal shifts are as jarring as a plot twist in a bad soap opera, while others appreciated the unpredictable mix of laughs and tears.

There’s also some chatter online about the film’s romance. Brad, our charming love interest, is caught in a messy web of infidelity that left some viewers scratching their heads and questioning if the film was trying too hard to be edgy. Ethical debates have sparked on platforms like Decider, with some fans loving the raw realism of flawed relationships and others feeling like they just wanted a clean love story without all the extra baggage.

Controversies: Family Dynamics and Ethical Dilemmas

Speaking of baggage, one major point of contention is the film’s portrayal of family. The twist revealing that Alex’s father isn’t her biological dad comes off as a bit of an unnecessary shock—like adding hot sauce to a meal that was already spicy enough. And the portrayal of her relationships, especially the romantic subplot that starts on a shaky foundation of infidelity, has sparked debates. Is it realistic, or just a plot device to stir up drama? Opinions are as mixed as the film’s soundtrack, and that’s part of what makes it so buzzworthy.

Final Thoughts: A Rollercoaster Worth Riding

All in all, The Life List is a film that doesn’t play by the rules—it’s equal parts laugh-out-loud funny and heart-wrenchingly real. Sofia Carson’s performance is the heart of the film, delivering a journey that’s as messy and beautiful as life itself. With New York City serving as a vibrant, ever-changing backdrop, the film manages to capture the chaotic spirit of a life in flux.

Sure, it stumbles over its tonal shifts and occasionally leans on clichéd tropes, but it also offers moments that make you stop and reflect on your own to-do list—maybe even inspiring you to chase those long-forgotten dreams.

Would I watch it again? Absolutely—on a cozy night when I’m in the mood for a mix of belly laughs and a few tears.
Would I recommend it? If you’re into heartfelt dramedies that don’t mind mixing a little controversy with your emotions, then The Life List is definitely worth a watch.

Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (7/10)

It’s not perfect, but The Life List delivers a memorable, if occasionally messy, exploration of loss, rediscovery, and the bittersweet journey of growing up. So, if you’re ready for a movie that’ll make you laugh, cry, and maybe even update your own life list, this one might just be your ticket. Now, pass the popcorn—and maybe a tissue or two.