Sofia Carson plays Alex in “Life List.” (Nicole Rivelli/Netflix)
By Grace Sanderson
Adapted from Lori Nelson Spielman’s 2013 novel, “The Life List” follows Alex Rose, played by Sofia Carson, on a childlike adventure following her mother’s death.
Now streaming on Netflix, the film chronicles the ups and downs of Alex’s life throughout the year following the death of her mother, Elizabeth (Connie Britton). At the reading of Elizabeth’s will, lawyer Brad (Kyle Allen) reveals that not only has Alex been fired from her position as head of marketing at her mother’s company, Rose Cosmetics, she also must complete a bucket list she wrote as a child by the end of the year in order to claim her secret inheritance.
While hesitant at first, Alex ultimately decides to honor her mother’s final wishes, encouraged by pre-recorded videos of her mother that she will only receive after completing each task. Alex’s life list includes getting a tattoo, learning to drive, doing stand-up comedy, going camping under a full moon, and finding true love.
The film continues to follow Alex as she attempts to complete the tasks before the deadline, becomes close friends with Brad, starts a new job, navigates multiple relationships, uncovers family secrets, and grieves the loss of her beloved mother.
Despite its focus on grief, the film balances its emotional weight with romance and comedy, creating a lighthearted and relatable story. At the time of writing this story, “The Life List” was the No.1 global movie on Netflix.
