Netflix’s latest release, The Life List, is a drama about grief, love, and personal growth. Despite its premise, the film struggles to resonate emotionally. Directed by Adam Brooks, the film is based on the bestselling novel by Lori Nelson Spielman. The movie attempts to tackle deep themes but falls short of delivering the expected emotional impact.
A Familiar Storyline
The Life List follows Alex, portrayed by Sofia Carson, a young woman in her late 20s or early 30s. She faces a personal crisis after her mother’s death. In the film, Alex must complete a list of childhood goals to receive her inheritance. Her late mother, played by Connie Britton, communicates through video messages. Each completed goal unlocks a new message.
Figure 1: Sofia Carson in a scene from ‘The Life List’
A Missed Opportunity for Depth
The story focuses more on Alex’s romantic life than her personal growth. The film attempts to highlight the importance of living authentically. However, it fails to explore the complexities of grief and self-discovery. Instead, the narrative leans towards Alex’s budding romance with Brad, a young lawyer played by Kyle Allen.
Brooks aims to balance romance with a coming-of-age story. Yet, the film prioritises light-hearted moments over deeper reflections. This approach reduces the film’s potential to connect with viewers on a personal level.
Performance and Casting
Sofia Carson leads the film with a performance that lacks nuance. Known for her Disney background, Carson’s portrayal of Alex feels restrained. The character’s supposed transformation remains superficial. The film’s tone remains overly polished, undermining the portrayal of raw emotions.
Connie Britton, although limited to recorded messages, brings a semblance of depth to her role. Britton’s character attempts to guide Alex through her grief, but the script restricts her performance.
Kyle Allen plays Brad, the charming lawyer. His portrayal is pleasant but lacks distinctiveness. The character’s development remains minimal, leaving little impression.
Figure 2: The cast of ‘The Life List’
A Missed Chance for Authenticity
The film attempts to evoke nostalgia through its setting in New York. Scenes feature familiar Manhattan and Brooklyn locations. However, the city fails to influence the story meaningfully. Instead, it serves as a picturesque backdrop.
The soundtrack attempts to anchor the story with emotional cues. A recurring song by the Ting Tings is featured three times. The music fails to leave a lasting impact, blending into the film’s predictable flow.
Writing and Direction
Adam Brooks, known for Definitely, Maybe and French Kiss, directs with a familiar style. The script follows a predictable pattern, reminiscent of earlier romantic dramas. Brooks blends light comedy with emotional themes but lacks balance.
The film’s pacing suffers from uneven transitions. Key emotional moments receive minimal attention, while lighter scenes extend unnecessarily. This imbalance affects the story’s overall cohesion.
Unfulfilled Potential
The film draws comparisons to PS I Love You but lacks its emotional resonance. The mother-daughter dynamic had potential to explore complex themes. Instead, the film settles for a simple narrative arc.
The plot centres on Alex’s romantic pursuit rather than personal growth. This choice limits the film’s scope, reducing it to a conventional love story. The lack of career focus also diminishes the character’s development.
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Audience Reception
Netflix has positioned the film to appeal to younger audiences, especially women. The platform often features similar light-hearted dramas. Despite its themes, The Life List struggles to engage viewers seeking meaningful stories.
The film’s presentation lacks the depth expected from a story about loss and rediscovery. This limitation may affect its long-term popularity among streaming audiences.
Final Thoughts
The Life List attempts to blend romance and self-discovery but lacks the necessary emotional depth. The film prioritises aesthetic appeal over raw storytelling. Sofia Carson’s performance remains consistent but fails to convey transformation.
Despite its polished visuals and familiar plot, the film lacks impact. Adam Brooks’ direction delivers a neat, predictable story without lasting emotional weight.
The Life List is now streaming on Netflix. The film may find its audience among those seeking light entertainment. However, viewers expecting a profound journey may leave unsatisfied.
