The Life List (2025) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
Romantic dramas have a way of touching our hearts, especially when they explore themes of self-discovery, loss, and the pursuit of lifelong dreams. The Life List (2025), directed by Adam Brooks and starring Sofia Carson, tells the story of Alex, a young woman sent on a quest by her late mother to complete a childhood bucket list. This sentimental journey uncovers family secrets, rekindles lost dreams, and ultimately leads to self-rediscovery.
But does this Netflix-exclusive film deliver on its emotional promise, or does it fall into the trap of predictable storytelling? Let’s dive into an in-depth review of The Life List and see if it’s worth adding to your watchlist.
A Beautiful but Rushed Storyline
At its core, The Life List has a heartwarming premise—Alex embarks on a journey to fulfill her mother’s last wish, forcing her to confront forgotten dreams and hidden truths. The film excels in its emotional depth, particularly in its exploration of grief and personal growth.
However, one of the biggest critiques is that while the film builds a touching narrative, it often rushes through key moments. Many viewers felt that the bucket list aspect, which should have been the heart of the movie, was overshadowed by Alex’s love life. This imbalance takes away from the emotional weight of her self-discovery journey.
Sofia Carson’s Performance: A Divisive Lead
Sofia Carson delivers a nuanced performance, portraying Alex with both vulnerability and determination. Some viewers were deeply moved by her ability to convey raw emotion, making her journey feel authentic and heartfelt. However, others found her acting style somewhat monotonous, lacking the dynamic range needed to fully immerse the audience in Alex’s struggles.
Kyle Allen, who plays Brad, offers a charming and endearing love interest, though the romance itself feels somewhat rushed. Meanwhile, supporting actors like Connie Britton and Sebastian De Souza provide solid performances, but their characters lack depth due to limited screen time.
Emotional Impact vs. Execution
Despite its flaws, The Life List succeeds in resonating with audiences on an emotional level. Themes of loss, self-discovery, and second chances are universally relatable. Many viewers shared how the film reminded them of personal experiences—whether it was losing a loved one or struggling to find their true purpose in life.
However, the execution of these themes isn’t always as impactful as it could be. Some subplots, such as Alex’s relationship with her student Ezra, are introduced but not fully developed, leaving them feeling incomplete.
A Nostalgic Soundtrack
One highlight of the film is its soundtrack, which effectively enhances the emotional moments. Songs like That’s Not My Name by The Ting Tings bring a wave of nostalgia, helping to ground the film in a mix of past memories and present realities. The music choice complements Alex’s journey, reinforcing the theme of revisiting old dreams and emotions.
Predictability: A Blessing and a Curse
Romantic dramas often follow familiar tropes, and The Life List is no exception. While it delivers heartfelt moments, its predictability prevents it from standing out in the genre. The love story, in particular, follows a formulaic pattern that makes it easy to see where the film is headed from the start.
That being said, predictability isn’t necessarily a bad thing. For those who enjoy comfort films that offer emotional catharsis, The Life List provides a satisfying, if somewhat cliché, experience. It’s the kind of movie that reassures rather than surprises—perfect for a cozy night in.
Where to Watch The Life List (2025) Online
If you’re interested in watching The Life List, it is currently available exclusively on Netflix in the U.S. and several other regions. As a Netflix original, it’s unlikely to appear on other streaming services anytime soon.
For those who love sentimental, feel-good films with a mix of romance and personal growth, The Life List is an easy streaming choice.
Final Verdict: Who Should Watch This Movie?
✔ Watch it if:
-
You enjoy heartwarming stories about self-discovery and personal growth.
-
You’re a fan of Sofia Carson and want to see her in a lead role.
-
You appreciate films that explore the impact of loss and second chances.
-
You’re looking for a feel-good romance with an emotional touch.
✖ Skip it if:
-
You prefer deep character development over predictable storytelling.
-
You’re looking for a romance with more complexity and emotional build-up.
-
You get frustrated by rushed pacing and underdeveloped subplots.
Conclusion: A Heartfelt but Imperfect Tearjerker
The Life List (2025) is a film that will resonate with a specific audience—those who seek emotional, life-affirming stories rather than groundbreaking filmmaking. While it stumbles in execution, it delivers enough warmth and sentimentality to make it a worthwhile watch for fans of the genre.
If you’re in the mood for a movie that tugs at your heartstrings and reminds you to chase your dreams, The Life List is streaming now on Netflix.
📢 Have you watched The Life List? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
