Okay movie fans feeling like a good cry and maybe a little life inspo? Netflix just dropped "The Life List" and it is definitely aiming for your heartstrings. This flick is all about a girl a list from her mom and a whole lot of life lessons in between. Let's unpack what makes this movie tick and if it's worth adding to your watchlist.
From Grief to Goals: What's 'The Life List' Actually About?
So the story goes like this: Alex played by Sofia Carson is dealing with the loss of her mom Elizabeth (Connie Britton). Super sad right? But wait there's a twist. Mom leaves behind a will with a kinda unusual condition. To get her inheritance Alex has to complete her childhood "life list". Yep a bucket list she made when she was just 13 years old.
This list is full of random stuff like doing stand-up comedy jumping into a mosh pit and yeah finding true love. Alex has a whole year to tick everything off and if she does she gets... well you gotta watch to find out exactly what. It's a journey of grief growth and maybe even some unexpected romance along the way. Sounds like classic Netflix feel-good territory right?
Sofia Carson as Alex: More Than Just a Rom-Com Lead
Sofia Carson is front and center in "The Life List" and she brings a lot to the role. You might know her from "Purple Hearts" or Disney's "Descendants". Here she plays Alex as this "adorkable mess" who is trying to figure things out. She's got the band tee shirts the love for basketball and a life that's not exactly going according to plan.
Apparently test audiences had some pretty strong reactions to this movie. Sofia mentioned that some viewers even broke up with their boyfriends after watching it. Why? Because the movie makes you think about what you really want in life and in a partner. Alex's mom even leaves behind questions to help Alex find "the one": Is he kind? Does he help you grow? Could you see him as a dad? Heavy stuff for a rom-com huh?
Sofia herself says working on "The Life List" was "profound" and inspired her to make her own life list. She feels like the movie helped her reconnect with her "fearless dreamer" inner child. It seems like this role was more than just acting for her it was a personal journey too.
Beyond Romance: Family Heartbreak and Finding Your Path
While "The Life List" definitely has a rom-com vibe it's also got deeper themes going on. It's about family dynamics especially the mother-daughter bond. Alex's relationship with her mom is central and the movie explores both affection and some unspoken disappointments. There's a sense that Alex hasn't quite lived up to her full potential in her mom's eyes and maybe even in her own.
The movie touches on grief in a big way obviously but it's also about finding your passion and not settling for a life that doesn't fit. Alex starts off working at her mom's cosmetics company even though she dreamed of being a teacher. Her life list journey forces her to confront those abandoned dreams and figure out what truly makes her happy.
And yes there is romance. Enter Brad the family's "conveniently cute lawyer". He is there to help Alex with the will but ends up being much more. Their relationship is part of Alex's journey of self-discovery and finding love is just one piece of the puzzle. It's not just about who she ends up with but who she becomes along the way.
Does She Complete the List? The Ending of 'The Life List' (No Major Spoilers but a Hint!)
So does Alex actually complete her life list by the New Year deadline? Well we won't spoil everything but let's just say the movie works its way towards a satisfying conclusion. She definitely faces challenges and obstacles some tasks are easier than others and some force her to really confront her past and present.
By the end Alex manages to tick off most of the items maybe even all but one. And that one item? "Find true love". She breaks up with her kinda blah boyfriend and things look a little uncertain on the romance front. But is true love really about boyfriends from the past or something closer to home? You will have to watch to see how it all unfolds and if Alex gets her inheritance and maybe something even more valuable in the process.
Key Questions 'The Life List' Makes You Ask Yourself:
- Are you living your best life or just the one you've settled for?
- What were your childhood dreams and have you forgotten them?
- What qualities do you truly value in a partner?
- Is it ever too late to chase your passions?
- What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind?
Final Verdict: Is 'The Life List' Worth a Watch?
If you are in the mood for a feel-good movie with some emotional depth "The Life List" could be right up your alley. It's got the weepie vibes the rom-com sweetness and some genuine moments of heart. While some reviews call it "overly neat" and "too clean" it's also described as having genuine emotion and exploring relatable themes.
Sofia Carson is solid Connie Britton adds some gravitas and the New York City locations give it a nice on-the-ground feel. It might not be a groundbreaking masterpiece but "The Life List" offers a pleasant and thought-provoking watch especially if you are pondering your own life goals and maybe need a little push to chase after them. Plus it might make you think twice about your own relationships. Just saying!
You can stream "The Life List" right now on Netflix. Grab some tissues maybe some popcorn and get ready for a movie that might just leave you feeling a little bit inspired.