A new gold-standard Netflix rom-com has officially arrived, based on the acclaimed book by Lori Nelson Spielman. Led by a dazzling performance from Sofia Carson and the golden retriever boyfriend energy of Kyle Allen, The Life List balances a perfect mix of romance, self-discovery, and tearjerking tragedy. Anyone who has grieved a loved one—especially a parent—will find its messaging to contain pangs of rawness and authenticity. My own mother left me and my siblings video messages for birthdays and special occasions, so large swaths felt pulled from the pages of my life story. Tying it all together is a lovable powerhouse turn from Connie Britton. Writer/director Adam Brooks (Definitely, Maybe, Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, Practical Magic) clearly knows his way around the genre, penning a script that feels like a warm hug. Brimming with positivity, The Life List wraps its complex topics in a blanket of lovely rom-com trappings.
Early on, Alex (Carson, Disney’s Descendants, Purple Hearts) must say goodbye to her mother, Elizabeth (Britton, American Horror Story, Friday Night Lights). Though this vital moment happens offscreen, Elizabeth’s passing becomes a major catalyst for change in Alex’s life. Coasting at a job for her mother’s cosmetics company and in a relationship with a charming guy that she ultimately does not love, Alex still expects to be the sibling that Elizabeth hails as CEO during the reading of her will. Brad, (Allen, West Side Story, The Map of Tiny Perfect Things), the much younger executor of Elizabeth’s estate, brings some strange news. Elizabeth has left her company to her daughter-in-law, and seemingly fired Alex from beyond the grave in the process.
Getting a glimpse into the bond they shared, it seems rather strange that Elizabeth does not include Alex amongst her will. In private, Brad shares a package left by Elizabeth containing a DVD and a meaningful childhood bucket list. In the first of several posthumous videos left by her mom, Alex’s dreams and goals are called into question. Does she have any? Has she lost her way? This list, which includes performing standup, getting tattoos, and finding true love, will become Alex’s road map for living her best life. As she checks off items, Alex must report back to Brad for the next DVD. If she manages to finish the entire list by New Year’s, Elizabeth has arranged a special envelope for Alex that will give her closure on the whole affair.
The Life List makes no qualms about the type of genre it falls into, lovingly embracing the tone of its cinematic ancestors. P.S., I Love You, and the director’s very own Definitely, Maybe come to mind tonally. Yet, Adam Brooks finds a new path forward in exploring Alex’s arc. The film is much more than just a montage of a girl checking off boxes to get her inheritance. Instead, Alex’s journey gets the attention it so rightly deserves, fleshing out her character’s aspirations at being a teacher and her ultimate motivations. As she gets deeper into the list, Alex connects with Brad in not-so-surprising ways, despite him already having a long distance girlfriend in the picture. Lest we assume the romantic focus will detract from heartfelt revelations about Alex’s past, Brooks finds ways to seamlessly combine the two worlds.
For one, Britton’s Elizabeth remains vital till the last second. Her presence looms large even after her passing. Every single DVD message contains biting words of wisdom, rippling with absolute gut punches of emotionality. Britton is the scene-stealing emotional core. Carson plays multiple sides to Alex as her character growth takes center stage. A simple love story this is not—instead, Alex genuinely evolves as a person, taking risks, facing fears, and stepping into her mother’s legacy on her own terms. As the second de facto lead, Allen’s Brad supports Alex in surprising ways. Being the obvious male lead, Allen is downright adorable. The duo share an easy banter, laughing at each other’s jokes, traveling together on road trips, and dishing out fashion advice. When the narrative takes a turn, Brad becomes essential to Alex’s stability.
Each item on the bucket list forces Alex out of her comfort zone. These never appear generic, instead offering varied and often hilarious asides. The ticking clock element of a New Years’ deadline adds just a bit of urgency. Along the way, Alex experiences a potential love interest in hunky doctor, Garrett (Sebastian Denis de Souza, Skins, Fair Play), Twilight jokes, and mosh pits. The words of Elizabeth always underline lessons found (or avoided) in Alex’s first-time experiences. Those who already do not care for rom-coms probably will find The Life List does not change their minds. For everyone else, there are tears and smiles covering every quirky frame. Of the tropes, that bold romantic gesture will always be my favorite. A nuanced portrayal of grief makes Elizabeth’s final message cut deeper than expected. Charming and emotionally resonant, The Life List gives instant-classic romantic comedy energy you will want to cross off your list over and over again.
Get a headstart on The Life List, giving Netflix subscribers a new lease on life starting Friday, March 28th.
