Sofia Carson has transitioned from Disney star to Netflix regular, showcasing her talents in a series of films, including the latest release, The Life List, which debuted on March 28, 2025. This touching adaptation of Lori Nelson Spielman’s novel features Carson as Alex, a woman who, after losing her mother, embarks on a journey to fulfill a childhood bucket list.
In The Life List, Alex is faced with a wake-up call that comes from beyond the grave. Following the death of her mother Elizabeth, played by Connie Britton, Alex discovers a series of recorded messages left for her. These recordings urge her to revisit a life list she created at the age of 13, filled with dreams and aspirations. The film cleverly intertwines themes of grief, self-discovery, and romance, as Alex is tasked with completing the list to secure her inheritance.
The premise is charming and relatable, as many viewers can identify with the struggle of pursuing dreams that have been sidelined. Alex’s journey begins with an uncomfortable family gathering, where she faces probing questions about her life choices, particularly her decision to leave teaching. This moment sets the stage for her character’s emotional arc, illustrating her dissatisfaction with the status quo.
Upon her mother’s death, Alex learns from Elizabeth’s attorney, Brad (Kyle Allen), that she must complete her childhood bucket list to inherit her mother’s estate. The list includes tasks like trying stand-up comedy and reading Moby Dick. Although initially skeptical, Alex commits to fulfilling her mother’s wish, leading to both humorous and poignant moments.
As Alex works through her list, she finds herself in a love triangle involving Brad and another potential suitor, Garrett (Sebastian de Souza). While the romantic subplot aims to add complexity, it often feels clichéd and lacks the chemistry necessary to engage viewers fully. Critics have pointed out that the film’s romantic elements are underdeveloped, leaving audiences wanting more depth in these relationships.
Despite the film’s flaws, the performances of Carson and Britton shine through. Carson brings a relatable charm to Alex, embodying her character’s journey with a blend of humor and vulnerability. Britton, even in a limited role mediated through DVD recordings, manages to create a warm and nurturing presence that resonates with the audience. Their on-screen mother-daughter dynamic is one of the film’s highlights, providing emotional weight amidst the lighter moments.
However, the film does struggle with predictability. Many plot points unfold exactly as one might expect, and some scenes feel overly orchestrated in their attempt to elicit emotional responses. Critics have noted that while the film tackles significant themes—like grief and the pursuit of happiness—it often does so in a formulaic manner, lacking the nuance needed to make these moments impactful.
Moreover, Alex’s return to teaching and her relationship with a rebellious student, Ezra (Luca Padovan), are introduced but not explored in depth. This oversight leaves some potentially rich narrative threads underdeveloped, detracting from the overall emotional resonance of the story.
Despite these shortcomings, The Life List succeeds in delivering a feel-good message about living life to the fullest and taking risks. As Alex checks off items from her list, she learns to embrace life’s uncertainties and reconnect with her passions. The film encourages viewers to reflect on their dreams and consider what might be holding them back from pursuing them.
In conclusion, while The Life List may not break new ground in storytelling, it offers a heartwarming experience for those seeking a light-hearted film filled with moments of laughter and reflection. With its engaging performances and relatable themes, it’s a movie that might inspire viewers to take a closer look at their own life lists—what dreams they’ve left unfulfilled and what steps they can take to make them a reality.
