After beginning her career in <em>Descendants</em>, Sofia Carson has successfully transitioned from a beloved Disney star to a prominent figure on Netflix. Following the release of Feel the Beat in 2020, the talented actress has deepened her connection with the streaming giant, starring in productions like Purple Hearts and the suspenseful holiday film, Carry-On. Her newest project is The Life List, an emotionally resonant adaptation of Lori Nelson Spielman‘s novel. In this film, she portrays Alex, a woman who feels trapped in her life and is prompted by a message from her deceased mother to chase her aspirations.
This heartwarming narrative, featuring a mother who continues to reach out to her daughter even after death, is a compelling aspect of Carson’s latest Netflix collaboration. However, the film also explores romantic themes, weaving a love triangle into Alex’s quest to fulfill her bucket list, which adds a layer of complexity to her journey of self-discovery. By balancing elements of love and loss, The Life List delivers the kind of uplifting fluff that viewers might expect, yet it remains an engaging watch. You won’t want to miss this heartfelt exploration.
Discover the Intriguing Plot of ‘The Life List’
The film opens with Alex preparing to attend her sister-in-law’s baby shower. From the moment she steps inside, she anticipates a barrage of questions regarding her teaching career and her boyfriend’s profession—topics she is reluctant to discuss. The reality is that Alex lacks the motivation to set plans or pursue her personal ambitions any longer. She feels settled, not because she has achieved her dreams, but due to a sense of apathy regarding her life choices. This all changes when her mother, Elizabeth (played by Connie Britton), passes away and leaves behind an unconventional stipulation for Alex to inherit her money. Elizabeth recorded a series of messages before her passing, encouraging Alex to revisit a life list she created at age 13 and to watch a DVD every time she crosses an item off that list.
Initially, the protagonist perceives this task as absurd, given that she drafted it so many years ago. However, Alex ultimately complies with her mother’s last request. From attempting stand-up comedy to reading Moby Dick in its entirety without dozing off, she embraces this challenge wholeheartedly, finding joy in each achievement as a way to connect with her mother (even if only through a DVD). Alongside her is Brad (Kyle Allen), the lawyer who assisted Elizabeth with her final will. While their relationship begins with tension, they gradually grow closer as Alex makes progress on her life list. With nearly all items ticked off, the only remaining challenge is to find love.
The Heartwarming Chemistry of Connie Britton and Sofia Carson as Mother and Daughter
While The Life List does have its shortcomings, the on-screen partnership between Carson and Britton stands out as one of the film’s highlights, despite the fact that they often don’t share screen time. Except for the opening scenes that showcase their interactions before Elizabeth’s death, Alex primarily experiences her mother’s presence through her recorded messages. Britton skillfully forges a connection with both the audience and Carson’s character by embodying warmth and understanding, even in brief appearances. Much like her memorable role as Tami in Friday Night Lights, her performance in this Netflix film necessitates a larger-than-life presence, showcasing her genuine care for Alex in a manner that resonates with viewers.
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Sofia Carson shines in her role as Alex. Her character’s awakening to take risks and pursue her passions drives the narrative, and her humor combined with a grounded personality creates a relatable and endearing lead. While the actress doesn’t stray far from her previous roles, this does not detract from her ability to captivate audiences in The Life List. You can’t help but empathize with Alex as she attempts to repair her fractured relationship with her father and seeks true love. Although the inheritance looms over her, her focus shifts to heeding her mother’s advice and valuing life.
Unpacking the Clichéd and Unconvincing Romance of ‘The Life List’
However, the film’s primary weakness lies in its underdeveloped subplots. Adam Brooks has taken on the responsibility of adapting and directing this Netflix original, successfully crafting poignant moments between Alex and her family. Nevertheless, when it comes to her romantic life and her return to teaching, viewers may find themselves feeling unsatisfied. While it’s easy to understand why Carson’s character would be drawn to the wealthy, charming Garrett (Sebastian De Souza), or why she would form a platonic friendship with Brad, the palpable lack of chemistry between Carson and her male counterparts detracts from the emotional stakes of the love triangle. Furthermore, the film fails to thoroughly explore Alex’s dynamic with Ezra (Luca Padovan</strong), a rebellious student who complicates her return to the classroom.
Even though the romantic storyline lacks depth compared to the familial bonds at the core of The Life List, the film still possesses redeeming qualities. From Carson’s captivating portrayal of Alex to Britton’s nurturing and motherly presence, this film offers moments that will appeal to those seeking a sweet and emotional experience for an hour and a half. While there are certainly plot points that may elicit eye-rolls due to their predictability, there are also poignant instances that may bring tears to your eyes. As Alex starts to cherish her life and rejects complacency, the film conveys a hopeful message that prompts viewers to reflect on the dreams they’ve sidelined and consider what might be holding them back from making them a reality.
The Life List is set to premiere on Netflix on March 28.
The Life List
Sofia Carson embarks on a journey to fulfill her dreams in this poignant yet uneven Netflix original.
- Release Date
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March 28, 2025
- Director
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Adam Brooks
- Writers
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Adam Brooks
- Producers
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Hutch Parker, Kerry Orent, Liza Chasin
- Sofia Carson and Connie Britton deliver a convincing portrayal of a mother-daughter duo.
- Britton’s performance, even when viewed through DVDs, resonates deeply with audiences.
- Carson brings a lovable charm to her role, despite not venturing far from her established persona.
- The romantic storyline fails to translate well from script to screen due to the noticeable lack of chemistry between Carson and her male co-stars.
- There is insufficient exploration of Alex’s return to teaching and her tumultuous relationship with a challenging student.
- The film’s clichés and predictability hinder its ability to leave a lasting impression.
