The Life List, a Netflix original, had the potential to be a meaningful and inspiring film. However, it struggles by combining two overly familiar storylines—one about a woman seeking true love and the other about a woman rediscovering herself to claim an inheritance. Unfortunately, the film doesn’t capitalize on either theme, making the entire two-hour-plus runtime feel disjointed and frustrating. The lack of focus on genuine emotional growth leaves the audience wishing for more, especially when the heroine’s journey towards self-discovery lacks the emotional depth it promises.
A Stagnant Life and a Sudden Quest for Change
The story follows Alex (Sofia Carson), a woman who feels stuck in life but doesn’t quite realize it. Living in a modest New York loft with her lazy boyfriend, Finn (Michael Rowland), Alex is far from the teacher she once aspired to be. Instead, she works at her mother’s cosmetics company, struggling to find fulfillment. Her world is turned upside down when her mother, Elizabeth (Connie Britton), passes away. Before she can inherit her mother’s estate, Alex must complete a list of 12 tasks her 13-year-old self created, including playing the piano, reading Moby Dick, and finding true love.
Lackluster Characters and Unconvincing Relationships
The Life List falters in its execution of supporting characters, many of whom come across as one-dimensional. Megan, Alex’s friend, sabotages her budding romance with Garrett (Sebastian De Souza), while Alex’s interactions with her family members fail to add depth to the narrative. Despite the potential for a meaningful love triangle, the relationships remain unexciting and fail to evoke any real emotional connection.
As for Alex herself, while Carson’s performance brings some nuance to her character, her selfishness often undermines any opportunity for genuine growth. The Life List presents her with numerous opportunities to evolve, but instead of facing her flaws, Alex primarily centers her own desires, leaving the emotional labor of the journey unresolved.
Aesthetic Strengths Amid Narrative Weaknesses
Although the film struggles with pacing and emotional resonance, it does shine in its visuals. The clever transitions and nostalgic montages that accompany Alex’s progress provide some emotional weight, especially in the scenes featuring her estranged father, Samuel (José Zúñiga). However, these moments are not enough to lift the overall story, which is hindered by the predictability of its plot.
Final Thoughts: A Comfortable Yet Formulaic Story
In the end, The Life List fails to deliver the heartfelt transformation it aims for. While it attempts to inspire with its themes of self-discovery and second chances, it becomes bogged down by cliché storylines and a lack of character depth. The film’s sentiment is reminiscent of a generic “live, laugh, love” mantra, offering little more than a formulaic exploration of a woman’s personal journey. Despite its aesthetic moments, the film’s missed opportunities leave it feeling far too comfortable with its predictability.
