The Unwritten Chapters: Examining Netflix's "The Life List"

Adam Brooks’s 2025 Netflix film, “The Life List,” starring Sofia Carson, embarks on a familiar yet perennially resonant journey of self-discovery sparked by loss. Adapted from Lori Nelson Spielman’s novel, the romantic comedy-drama navigates themes of grief, personal growth, family dynamics, and the pursuit of long-forgotten aspirations. While the film may lean into predictable tropes, its undeniable charm, Sofia Carson’s heartfelt performance, and its powerful message about living a life of purpose resonate strongly with audiences, catapulting it to significant streaming success.

The Premise: A Posthumous Quest for Self-Discovery

At its core, “The Life List” introduces us to Alex Rose (Sofia Carson), a young woman seemingly adrift after the death of her mother, Elizabeth (Connie Britton). Instead of the expected inheritance, Alex is presented with an unusual condition: to receive her mother’s estate, she must complete a “life list” she meticulously crafted as a thirteen-year-old. This ingenious posthumous challenge forms the narrative backbone, propelling Alex on a year-long quest that forces her to confront not only her childhood dreams but also unresolved family secrets and her own arrested development. From tackling public stand-up comedy and learning to play a piano piece to finding “true love,” each item on the list serves as a stepping stone in Alex’s emotional and personal evolution, guided by her late mother’s wisdom delivered through a series of pre-recorded DVDs.

Exploring Themes of Grief, Growth, and Family

The film adeptly weaves together several compelling thematic threads. Grief is a central undercurrent, not merely as an emotional state but as a catalyst for profound change. Alex’s journey through her “life list” is, in essence, her process of coming to terms with her mother’s absence and finding a new direction without her guiding presence. The film emphasizes the importance of authenticity and rejecting a life of mere comfort for one of genuine fulfillment. As Alex revisits aspirations from her youth, she begins to peel back layers of cynicism and indifference, rediscovering a more vibrant and passionate version of herself. Furthermore, “The Life List” explores the complexities of family relationships. Alex’s strained bond with her father and the revelations about her parentage add unexpected emotional depth, highlighting the enduring impact of familial ties and the possibility of reconciliation.

Performance and Reception: Sofia Carson’s Impact

While critics have sometimes noted the film’s adherence to romantic comedy conventions and occasional narrative conveniences, the audience reception paints a picture of a movie that connects deeply. Sofia Carson’s portrayal of Alex Rose is a significant strength. She imbues Alex with a relatable vulnerability and a growing strength that makes her journey compelling, even when the plot points feel familiar. Her ability to convey Alex’s initial reluctance and eventual determination grounds the more fantastical elements of the premise. Connie Britton, though appearing primarily through video messages, delivers a warm and impactful performance that underscores the enduring power of a mother’s love and foresight. The romantic subplot, involving the lawyer Brad (Kyle Allen), provides a gentle, supportive dynamic that complements Alex’s personal growth without entirely overshadowing it.

Conclusion: A Resonant Message of Purpose

Ultimately, “The Life List” succeeds because it taps into universal human desires: the longing for purpose, the dream of realizing childhood ambitions, and the need for connection and belonging. It offers a comforting, often heartwarming, message that it’s never too late to redefine oneself, embrace new experiences, and align one’s present with their authentic past aspirations. Adam Brooks crafts a narrative that, despite its occasional predictability, delivers a resonant emotional punch, serving as a reminder that the path to a secure and fulfilling future often lies in revisiting the dreams we once thought were long lost. “The Life List” is more than a simple rom-com; it’s an encouraging cinematic prompt to reflect on our own unwritten chapters and dare to live them.