The Life List is a comforting Netflix rom-drama that hits many of the right emotional notes—but never quite soars. Sofia Carson stars as Alex Rose, a woman grieving her mother (Connie Britton) who, after dying of an illness, leaves her a challenge: complete the childhood “life list” she made at 13 to unlock her inheritance. Along the way, Alex tackles tasks such as performing stand-up comedy at an open mic, volunteering at a shelter, and reconnecting with her estranged father. There’s genuine heart in her journey—watching her learn Clair de Lune on the piano, confront family secrets, and take emotional risks feels touching. The relationship with Brad (Kyle Allen), the young lawyer verifying her list, has nice chemistry, especially when she realizes he more than checks off her “true love” criteria. 

However, the movie often plays it too safe: its pacing is a bit sluggish, some subplots (like the romance triangle) don’t feel fully developed, and the emotional moments lean on predictability. The backstory of Alex’s mom and the moments leading up to her death were also missed, leaving viewers to question her character’s relevance in the plot. 

Ironically, these setbacks make the movie feel rushed, despite its length being over 2 hours.

Ultimately, the intentions for The Life List make it an enjoyable, feel-good story with sincere performances and a sweet core—but it’s not especially bold or memorable.