“The Life List,” a comedy-drama film that blends elements of romance, family dynamics, and personal growth. Released on March 28, 2025, it’s streaming on Netflix and written by Adam Brooks, adapting Lori Nelson Spielman’s novel of the same name.
Sofia Carson portrays Alex Rose, a woman in her 30s, who is determined to fulfill her teenage dreams after losing her mother, Elizabeth, who is portrayed by the remarkable Connie Britton.
This comedy-drama is produced by Liza Chasin under her 3dot Productions banner. Trust me, it’s a rollercoaster of laughs and feels, perfect for a cozy night in. Here at TV Acute, we’re buzzing about it—here’s why you should be too! The cast? Stellar—Kyle Allen, Sebastian de Souza, and more bring this heartfelt story to life. Get ready for a fun, emotional ride!
A Fun Twist on Growing Up—Even in Your 30s
So, what’s The Life List all about? Alex has a cushy job at her family’s business and a quirky boyfriend, Garrett (Sebastian de Souza), but she’s kind of stuck. Her big dreams—like becoming a teacher—got sidelined somewhere along the way. When her mom dies, instead of cash or a house, Alex gets a stack of DVDs and a mission: complete her old “Life List” to unlock her final gift. With help from Brad (Kyle Allen), the guy handling her mom’s will, Alex dives into tasks like performing stand-up comedy and digging up family secrets. It’s based on Lori Nelson Spielman’s 2013 novel, and the premise totally hooks you from the start.
I love how this movie flips the coming-of-age story on its head. Alex isn’t a teen finding herself—she’s a grown woman rediscovering what matters. Her mom’s video messages push her to shake off the gloom and chase those forgotten passions. It’s relatable, right? We all experience moments when life seems uninteresting, and this film serves as a reminder that it’s never too late to make changes.
Family Ties That Steal the Show
Sure, The Life List has that rom-com label, but let’s be real—the heart of this movie is family. Alex’s bond with her mom is the emotional glue here. Even from beyond, Elizabeth’s cheering her on, dropping wisdom through those DVDs. It’s endearing and deeply emotional. Then there’s her messy-but-real connection with her brothers, Julian and Lucas, and her distant dad, Samuel. These relationships start off feeling a bit cliché, but as Alex grows, so do they. You’ll catch yourself rooting for every little breakthrough.
The romance? Yeah, it’s there—Garrett’s charming, and Brad’s the classic nice guy—but it’s not the main event. Alex’s journey to figure out her life outshines the love stuff. Still, Sofia Carson’s chemistry with everyone, especially Kyle Allen’s Brad, keeps things fun and easy to watch. Their friendship-turned-romance feels like a bonus, not the whole point.
Sofia Carson Nails It (And the Cast Isn’t Bad Either!)
Can we talk about Sofia Carson for a sec? She’s the star of this show, no question. As Alex, she’s sharp, funny, and vulnerable all at once. You feel her frustration when she’s grumbling about this crazy list, but you also see her soften as she opens up. Opposite Sebastian de Souza’s Garrett, she’s guarded yet warm—showing why their “perfect” relationship doesn’t quite click. With Kyle Allen’s Brad, it’s all easy banter and support, making their predictable ending super satisfying.
Connie Britton as Elizabeth? Pure gold. She brings that caring-but-flawed mom energy that makes Alex’s quest so personal. The rest of the cast—her brothers, her dad, even her too-perfect sister-in-law Nina—round out the story with quirks and depth. The story unfolds gradually, but by the conclusion, you find yourself deeply engrossed in each character.
Whether you enjoy romantic comedies or simply need a boost, The Life List is an excellent choice. So grab some popcorn, hit play, and let Alex’s journey inspire you to dust off your own old dreams. Who knows? You might just find a new favorite on Netflix tonight!
Read More: IS THE LIFE LIST A TRUE STORY? THE REAL INSPIRATION BEHIND NETFLIX’S FILM
