Perfect for a night in, The Life List is available to watch now on Netflix
If you’re after something easy to watch that’ll hit you right in the feels, The Life List might be just what you need. Sure, the romance is predictable – but it’s swoon-worthy and cute, and the surrounding storyline is surprisingly inspiring.
What’s The Life List about?
Adapted from Lori Nelson Spielman’s 2013 bestseller of the same name, The Life List stars Sofia Carson as Alex. When Alex’s mum dies, she discovers that her brothers and their wives inherited the family business among other things, whilst she inherited… nothing?
Well, not quite nothing. Instead, Alex’s mum set her a task: to complete her Life List – the one she wrote as a teenager. Every time she ticks something off the list, she receives a DVD message from her mum as a reward.
Why? Because Alex was stuck in a rut. Comfortable, but uninspired. Just sort of plodding along. Her mum wanted to remind her of her old dreams – and it worked. Along the way, Alex rediscovers parts of herself she’d long forgotten, and uncovers secrets she never knew existed.
The Life List Review
We don’t find out exactly why Alex was stuck in the rut, but the movie gets away with it by being fast-paced and very fun. I loved how goofy Alex is – and how she starts embracing that goofiness instead of trying to mould herself to fit in. Sofia Carson brings a really warm, grounded energy to Alex. You root for her pretty much instantly.
I also loved the sibling dynamic in this movie. Watching them navigate grief together was genuinely touching. Alex has such a great relationship with her brothers and their partners – it’s a joy to watch and got me emotional at times.
It’s a friends-to-lovers trope, and a slow burn. I probably would’ve liked a slightly spicier moment at the pivotal scene (just saying), but it was still totally swoon-worthy.
If you’re into soft romances, sibling dynamics or stories about rediscovering yourself, this one’s for you. It’s not groundbreaking, but it is a lovely little serotonin boost.
I’ll be watching and reviewing more romcoms over the coming weeks and months – I’m really craving them lately. Which are your favourites?
Check out our most recent what we’re watching this week for more recommendations.
