✅ “The Life List (2025)” is a heartwarming romantic comedy-drama from Netflix, directed and written by Adam Brooks, based on Lori Nelson Spielman’s beloved novel. Starring Sofia Carson and Connie Britton, the film embarks on a poignant journey of self-discovery and family secrets. When a young woman is sent on a quest to complete a childhood bucket list left by her recently deceased mother, she finds herself confronting her past, embracing unexpected adventures, and navigating new relationships. Released on March 28, 2025, this film aims to deliver a feel-good experience about grief, growth, and finding love in unforeseen places.

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6.8/10

The Life List

Director: Adam Brooks

Writer: Adam Brooks, Lori Nelson Spielman

Stars: Sofia Carson, Kyle Allen, Sebastian De Souza

Plot: A woman revisits her childhood aspirations, endeavoring to achieve her old goals, only to discover that pursuing these lifelong dreams takes her on an unforeseen and surprising journey.

Countries: United States

Languages: English

IMDb: View on IMDb

The Life List (2025) – Movie Overview & Analysis-BollyFlix

Movie Details 

• Full Name: The Life List (2025)
• Language: English
• Budget: Not Publicly Disclosed (Netflix Original)
• Revenue: Not Publicly Reported (Netflix Original)
• Runtime: 125 Minutes (2 Hours 5 Minutes)
• Release Date: March 28, 2025 (Netflix)
• Genres: Romance, Comedy, Drama
• Cast: Sofia Carson, Kyle Allen, Connie Britton, Sebastian de Souza, Jordi Mollà, Marianne Rendón, José Zúñiga, Chelsea Frei, Luca Padovan
• Directors: Adam Brooks
• Screenplay: Adam Brooks (Based on the novel by Lori Nelson Spielman)
• Studios & Producers: Netflix (Producers: Liza Chasin, Hutch Parker, Kerry Orent, Margaret Chernin, Adam Brooks)
• Voice Cast: Not Applicable
• Animation & Style: Not Applicable (Live-action film)

OFFICIAL IMAGES

Plot Summary

“The Life List” centers on Alex Rose (Sofia Carson), a young woman who finds her life at a crossroads after the untimely passing of her beloved mother, Elizabeth (Connie Britton). Feeling lost and unsure of her path, Alex is surprised to discover that her mother has left her a unique final request: to complete a “life list” that Alex herself wrote as a hopeful 13-year-old. This list contains a series of childhood aspirations, ranging from the quirky and adventurous to the deeply personal and challenging. Reluctantly at first, but driven by a desire to honor her mother’s memory and hear her voice one last time through a series of accompanying DVDs, Alex embarks on this extraordinary quest. As she checks off items like “learn to bake,” “swim with dolphins,” or “fall truly in love,” Alex is pushed out of her comfort zone. Her journey leads her to unexpected places and introduces her to new people, including a charming and enigmatic man named Brad Ackerman (Kyle Allen), who challenges her perceptions of life and love. Along the way, Alex uncovers hidden family secrets, re-evaluates her relationships, and confronts her own fears and insecurities. The film explores themes of grief, healing, self-discovery, and the power of embracing life’s unexpected turns, ultimately guiding Alex towards a new understanding of herself and what truly matters.

Cast & Crew

“The Life List” benefits from a talented cast that brings warmth and charm to its heartfelt narrative. Sofia Carson leads the film as Alex Rose, delivering a performance that balances vulnerability, determination, and a burgeoning sense of self-discovery. Carson capably carries the emotional weight of the story, making Alex’s journey relatable and endearing. Connie Britton, as Alex’s mother Elizabeth, provides a poignant and memorable presence, even through her character’s posthumous guidance, anchoring the film’s emotional core. Kyle Allen as Brad Ackerman offers a charming and supportive counterpart to Alex, bringing a natural chemistry that helps drive the romantic subplot. Sebastian de Souza as Garrett and other supporting cast members contribute to the film’s diverse tapestry of characters, each playing a role in Alex’s transformative journey. Director and screenwriter Adam Brooks guides the performances with a light touch, emphasizing emotional authenticity and the film’s feel-good nature. The ensemble works together to create a believable world where humor, romance, and moments of genuine sentiment intertwine.

Critical & Audience Response

Upon its release on Netflix, “The Life List” received a generally mixed, but leaning positive, reception, particularly from audiences. Critics, while acknowledging its heartwarming premise, sometimes found the plot to be predictable or overly sentimental. The film scored a 45% on Rotten Tomatoes from critics, with some reviewers noting that it lacked depth or felt “painstakingly safe,” without significant conflict or an edge. However, the film resonated much more strongly with general audiences, achieving a significantly higher audience score. Viewers often praised it as a “very nice movie,” “heartwarming,” and a “feel-good tale.” Many appreciated its focus on the mother-daughter relationship and found Sofia Carson’s performance to be beautiful and engaging. While some plot points, such as a controversial affair subplot, drew criticism from a portion of the audience, the overall consensus among viewers was that it’s a charming, emotional, and inspiring watch. It successfully tapped into the desire for light-hearted romance and drama, proving that while it may not have satisfied every critical expectation, it certainly delivered for its target audience seeking an uplifting narrative.

Direction & Cinematography

Director Adam Brooks, who also penned the screenplay, approaches “The Life List” with a clear vision for a feel-good, emotionally resonant romantic comedy-drama. His direction is characterized by a gentle touch, allowing the characters’ emotional journeys to unfold naturally. Brooks focuses on intimate moments and character interactions, ensuring the film’s heart remains at its core despite a journey that spans various activities from a childhood list. He effectively manages the film’s tone, blending moments of humor and romance with scenes of grief and self-reflection. The cinematography, while not overly flashy, supports the film’s light and hopeful atmosphere. It captures the charm of its varied settings, from small-town life to more adventurous backdrops, with a bright and appealing visual style. The camera work is designed to highlight the emotional expressions of the actors and immerse the audience in Alex’s personal growth. The direction and visual execution work in tandem to create an inviting and comforting cinematic experience, aligning with the film’s overall aim to be an uplifting story about finding joy and purpose after loss.

Music & Background Score

The music for “The Life List” is composed by Will Bates, known for his versatile work across various genres. For this film, Bates crafts a score that is integral to its romantic and emotional beats. The music is designed to be heartwarming and uplifting, perfectly complementing the film’s themes of self-discovery and new beginnings. The soundtrack features melodies that evoke a sense of hope, nostalgia, and tenderness, particularly during scenes of Alex reflecting on her mother’s memory or experiencing new adventures. The background score subtly enhances the narrative’s emotional shifts, providing a gentle underscore to both the comedic moments and the more dramatic, heartfelt sequences. While the film may not feature standout commercial hits, the overall musical landscape contributes significantly to its feel-good atmosphere, ensuring that the audience remains emotionally connected to Alex’s journey. Bates’s score is a key element in establishing the film’s charming and optimistic tone, leaving viewers with a sense of warmth and inspiration.

Visuals & Special Effects

As a romantic comedy-drama, “The Life List” does not heavily rely on elaborate visual effects. Instead, its visual appeal comes from its bright and inviting aesthetic, which perfectly suits its heartwarming narrative. The film’s visuals focus on creating a pleasant and relatable world, emphasizing natural lighting and vibrant colors in its settings. Whether it’s the cozy interiors of Alex’s home or the picturesque locales encountered during her list-checking adventures, the visual presentation aims for warmth and authenticity. Any special effects are minimal and used subtly to enhance specific moments, rather than to create grand spectacles. The production design contributes to the film’s charm, making the environments feel lived-in and reflective of the characters’ personalities. Overall, the visuals of “The Life List” are designed to support its emotional story, offering a comforting and aesthetically pleasing backdrop that allows the audience to fully immerse themselves in Alex’s journey of growth and discovery without distraction from complex CGI.

Editing & Screenplay

The editing in “The Life List” plays a crucial role in maintaining the film’s engaging pace and balancing its various narrative threads. The film smoothly transitions between Alex’s present-day adventures and her reflections on her past with her mother, guided by the DVDs. The editing ensures that the emotional impact of the mother-daughter relationship is consistently felt, even as the plot progresses through lighthearted and romantic moments. The screenplay, penned by director Adam Brooks, is an adaptation of Lori Nelson Spielman’s popular novel. It successfully translates the book’s charming premise to the screen, focusing on themes of grief, self-discovery, and the pursuit of dreams. The script is designed to be uplifting and heartwarming, with dialogues that are generally witty and heartfelt. While some critics found the narrative to be somewhat predictable or overly sentimental, it effectively develops Alex’s character arc and creates relatable emotional stakes. The screenplay ensures a consistent tone, delivering a feel-good story that resonates with audiences looking for an optimistic take on life’s challenges and the enduring power of love and family.

Positives / What Works

“The Life List” shines with its heartwarming and uplifting narrative, making it a perfect feel-good film. Sofia Carson’s lead performance is a major strength, as she brings a relatable charm and emotional depth to Alex’s journey of self-discovery. The film’s central premise of a posthumous bucket list is both unique and poignant, offering a compelling framework for exploring themes of grief, healing, and personal growth. The chemistry between Carson and Kyle Allen adds a sweet and genuine romantic element to the story. Furthermore, the film’s ability to seamlessly blend moments of comedy, romance, and drama creates a balanced and engaging viewing experience. The positive and inspiring message about embracing life’s unexpected turns and honoring loved ones makes it particularly resonant for audiences seeking an emotionally satisfying and optimistic story.

Negatives / What Doesn’t Work

While generally well-received by audiences, “The Life List” does have some areas that drew critical attention. The film’s plot can be predictable for seasoned viewers of the romantic comedy-drama genre, following familiar narrative beats. Some critics found the film to be overly sentimental or saccharine at times, which might deter those looking for more nuanced or gritty storytelling. A specific point of contention for some viewers was a subplot involving an affair, which was felt to be an unnecessary element that could detract from the film’s otherwise wholesome tone. Additionally, while the performances are strong, some might find certain supporting characters to be less developed, serving primarily to advance Alex’s journey. Overall, for those who prefer more complex or unconventional narratives, “The Life List” might come across as too safe or lacking a significant “edge,” despite its undeniable charm.

Final Verdict / Conclusion

“The Life List” is a charming and emotionally resonant romantic comedy-drama that delivers a feel-good experience perfect for a Netflix watch. With a strong lead performance from Sofia Carson and a heartwarming premise centered on a journey of self-discovery after loss, the film successfully captures the spirit of Lori Nelson Spielman’s novel. While it may lean into sentimentality and predictability at times, its genuine emotional core, engaging characters, and positive message largely outweigh these minor critiques. Director Adam Brooks crafts a film that is both entertaining and touching, making it a solid choice for audiences who appreciate uplifting stories about love, family, and finding one’s true path in life. It’s a comforting watch that will likely leave viewers with a warm feeling.

Movie Rating

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