Film Review: The Life List

Netflix's The Life List is more than just a feel-good romance. It's profound, emotional and packed full of life lessons.

When I was younger, I used to love watching any and all Disney films. I particularly loved those on Disney Channel, which includes the Descendants franchise. One of the actresses in Descendants is Sofia Carson, and she is fast becoming one of my favourite actresses.

Since moving away from Disney, Sofia has done several movies that show just how talented an actor she is. These include Purple Hearts, Carry On, and Songbird.

Her most recent film is The Life List on Netflix. Alongside Sofia, it stars Kyle Allen, Sebastian de Souza and Connie Britton. It came out at the end of March and has already hit number one on Netflix.

When I was watching The Life List this week, I absolutely loved it. So, I wanted to share my review with you all.

My review of The Life List

Genre: Romantic drama

As stated on IMDB, The Life List is about a woman, Alex, who "revisits her childhood aspirations, endeavouring to achieve her old goals, only to discover that pursuing these lifelong dreams takes her on an unforeseen and surprising journey."

And whilst that synopsis is true, for me, The Life List is about so much more than pursuing childhood aspirations. It has become one of my favourite films that I've seen this year, and it isn't just a simple romantic drama, in my eyes. The film explores the realities of adulthood and the impact of society's expectations on ourselves and on others.

In the trailer, this is evident, so it's not a spoiler, but Alex loses her mum, which kickstarts her journey in completing the life list. The film takes place over a year and follows Alex as she completes each item on the list, which she wrote at 13 years old.

As expected, Alex is at first angry and frustrated with her mum for making her complete the list. But the more items Alex checks off, the reason behind her mum's plan becomes clearer and the more videos Alex receives.

I loved the development of this film because it's engaging and balanced. It's not too fast-paced and despite the time jumps, it's easy to follow. It doesn't feel rushed or unnatural, and as time passes, we're brought along on Alex's journey as she slowly discovers her true self and what she wants in life.

Watching Alex force herself to do things she wouldn't normally do as an adult is inspiring. It reminds us that when we're younger, we all had aspirations and dreams that we wanted to accomplish, but as we get older, we often conform to society's expectations of adulthood and let life get in the way.

Alex's character is a great protagonist because of how complex she is, and Sofia Carson's portrayal of her is excellent. Throughout the film, we see her develop with each video from her mum, and we see her reconnect and form relationships with her father, her brothers and the family lawyer.

The emotions evoked in The Life List were so strong that I cried, and I've had others tell me they cried too. But what makes it so effective is not only the scriptwriting or the developed characters, but the relatability of the story.

Losing a loved one is a universal experience. Finding yourself in a rut and unhappy can also be very common. So, going on a journey to find yourself and receiving videos from a loved one who's passed is a beautiful thought, and it's clear through Alex and her brothers, the power that memories of those close to us can have.

The Life List is a movie full of love, joy and heart-warming moments. But it's also thought-provoking, inspiring and comforting.

I absolutely loved this film and the messages it holds. Sofia Carson's films always explore reality and relatable events that many can sympathise with, which makes them incredible to watch.

So, if you're interested in a feel-good, emotional drama that inspires you whilst comforting you, then check out The Life List on Netflix.

Until next time...