The Life List Review: A Predictable Romantic Drama That Fails to Impress

The Life List Review: The Life List, starring Sofia Carson, tells the story of Alex, a 30-something woman stuck in a life she never planned. When her mother, Elizabeth, passes away, Alex learns that she must complete 12 tasks from her teenage bucket list to receive her inheritance. The movie attempts to blend self-discovery and romance but fails to make a lasting impact.

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Storyline Lacking Depth

The film’s biggest flaw is its attempt to merge two predictable storylines: a woman finding herself through a checklist and a forced love triangle. The ticking-clock scenario lacks emotional depth, making Alex’s journey feel uninspiring. Instead of personal growth, the film focuses more on how she can afford to pause her life in New York City without real consequences.

Weak Characters and Relationships

Alex, played by Sofia Carson, is a woman who doesn’t realize she’s stuck in an uninspiring life. She shares a small apartment with her lazy boyfriend Finn and works at her late mother’s cosmetics company instead of pursuing her dream job as a teacher. Despite having a supportive best friend, Megan, and a loving sister-in-law, Zoe, her life remains stagnant. The film fails to make us truly empathize with her struggles.

Forced Love Triangle

While the film tries to add romance with two potential love interests—Garrett and Brad—the relationships feel hollow. Brad’s girlfriend, Nina, befriends Alex only to suddenly turn against her due to clichéd jealousy. The romantic moments lack excitement, making it difficult to root for any couple.

Missed Opportunities for Character Growth

Despite its feel-good theme, The Life List does little to show real transformation. Alex completes tasks like playing piano, reading Moby Dick, and stepping out of her comfort zone. However, her growth remains superficial, as she never truly faces emotional challenges or makes meaningful changes in her relationships.

Visually Appealing but Emotionally Lacking

The film does offer some visually striking moments, such as a nostalgic montage of Alex checking off her list and a touching scene between her and her estranged father. However, the story lacks depth, and gender-flipped clichés—like a clumsy male love interest and a woman making the grand romantic gesture—fail to bring freshness to the genre.

Final Verdict

Despite a heartfelt premise, The Life List settles for a formulaic plot and underdeveloped characters. It fails to inspire the audience to take risks or rediscover their dreams, making it just another forgettable romantic drama on Netflix.

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