Netflix’s latest release, The Life List, directed by Adam Brooks, is a drama that explores themes of grief, love, and personal growth. Based on the bestselling novel by Lori Nelson Spielman, the film centers on Alex, a young woman portrayed by Sofia Carson, who grapples with her mother’s death and must complete a list of childhood goals to inherit her mother’s estate. Despite its promising premise, the film struggles to resonate emotionally with its audience.
A Familiar Storyline
The Life List follows Alex, a woman in her late 20s or early 30s, who finds herself in a personal crisis after the passing of her mother, played by Connie Britton. In a unique twist, her mother communicates with her through pre-recorded video messages. Each time Alex accomplishes a goal from her childhood bucket list, she receives another video, pushing her to confront her grief and rediscover herself.
While the film attempts to tackle profound themes, it often prioritizes Alex’s budding romance with Brad, a young lawyer played by Kyle Allen, over deeper reflections on grief and self-discovery. This choice leads the narrative to lean more towards light-hearted moments rather than the complexities of loss and personal growth, ultimately reducing the film’s potential to connect with viewers on a meaningful level.
A Missed Opportunity for Depth
Critics have noted that the film’s focus on romance detracts from its ability to explore the intricacies of grief. Although it aims to highlight the importance of living authentically, it fails to delve deeply into the emotional turmoil that accompanies loss. Instead, the story unfolds as a conventional love story, where the protagonist's romantic pursuits overshadow her journey of self-discovery.
Performance and Casting
Sofia Carson leads the film with a performance that has been described as lacking nuance. Known for her Disney background, Carson’s portrayal of Alex feels restrained, and her character’s supposed transformation remains superficial. Despite the polished tone of the film, it undermines the raw emotions that could have been explored. Connie Britton, while limited to recorded messages, brings a semblance of depth to her role, attempting to guide Alex through her grief, but the script restricts her performance.
Meanwhile, Kyle Allen’s portrayal of Brad is pleasant yet unremarkable, leaving little impression on the audience. Critics argue that the character’s development is minimal, contributing to the film’s overall lack of impact.
A Missed Chance for Authenticity
Set against the backdrop of New York City, the film attempts to evoke nostalgia through its familiar locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn. However, the city fails to influence the story meaningfully, serving instead as a picturesque setting that lacks depth. The soundtrack, featuring a recurring song by The Ting Tings, attempts to provide emotional cues but ultimately blends into the film’s predictable flow.
Writing and Direction
Adam Brooks, known for his previous works such as Definitely, Maybe and French Kiss, directs with a familiar style that follows a predictable pattern reminiscent of earlier romantic dramas. While he blends light comedy with emotional themes, the film suffers from uneven pacing and transitions. Key emotional moments receive minimal attention, while lighter scenes extend unnecessarily, affecting the overall cohesion of the story.
Unfulfilled Potential
The film has drawn comparisons to PS I Love You, yet it lacks the emotional resonance that made the latter memorable. Critics argue that the mother-daughter dynamic had the potential to explore complex themes, but the film settles for a simple narrative arc centered on Alex’s romantic pursuits rather than her personal growth. Additionally, the lack of career focus diminishes the character’s development, reducing her journey to a conventional love story.
Audience Reception
Netflix has positioned The Life List to appeal to younger audiences, particularly women, as the platform often features similar light-hearted dramas. However, despite its themes, the film struggles to engage viewers seeking meaningful narratives. Its presentation lacks the depth expected from a story about loss and rediscovery, which may impact its long-term popularity among streaming audiences.
Final Thoughts
In a recent podcast, Sofia Carson, Kyle Allen, and Sebastian De Souza discussed their experiences filming The Life List. Carson described the film as a heartwarming, feel-good journey, crediting director Adam Brooks for setting the right tone. She even took piano lessons to master Clair de Lune for a pivotal scene, showcasing her commitment to the role.
Despite the film’s shortcomings, Carson expressed gratitude for the opportunity to portray Alex, a character she felt a deep connection with. “I found her inside my heart, and I just really knew that I could be her and that I would be so honored to be her,” Carson said. The film strives to blend romance and self-discovery but ultimately falls short of delivering the necessary emotional depth. The Life List is now streaming on Netflix, and while it may find its audience among those seeking light entertainment, viewers expecting a profound journey may leave unsatisfied.
