The Life List is an upcoming Netflix romantic comedy-drama directed and written by Adam Brooks, based on Lori Nelson Spielman’s novel. The film stars Sofia Carson as Alex Rose—a woman challenged by her late mother, played by Connie Britton, to complete her childhood bucket list to receive her inheritance. Along her journey, Alex tackles tasks ranging from performing stand-up comedy to teaching at a women’s shelter, all while uncovering family secrets and rediscovering herself. With a supporting cast that includes Kyle Allen and Sebastian De Souza, the film balances humor with heartfelt emotion.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Life List is an upcoming Netflix romantic comedy-drama that invites audiences on an inspiring journey of self-discovery and renewal. Directed and written by Adam Brooks, the film is based on Lori Nelson Spielman’s novel and stars Sofia Carson as Alex Rose—a woman at a crossroads who must complete her childhood bucket list to unlock her inheritance after her mother’s passing. With the poignant performance of Connie Britton as the late Elizabeth and a supporting cast including Kyle Allen and Sebastian De Souza, the film deftly blends humor with heartfelt emotion.
Main Cast
Sofia Carson as Alex Rose
The Life List film’s determined protagonist, Alex is thrust into a journey of self-discovery after her late mother leaves her a challenge—to complete her childhood bucket list in order to receive her inheritance. Her quest forces her to step out of her comfort zone and rediscover her true self.
Kyle Allen as Brad
Portraying Brad, Alex’s lawyer and unexpected ally, Kyle Allen’s character becomes both a guiding force and a potential love interest, supporting Alex through the personal and emotional challenges she faces along her journey.
Sebastian De Souza as Garrett
As Garrett, Sebastian De Souza plays a pivotal role in Alex’s life, contributing to the unfolding of events that lead her to confront deep-seated family secrets and personal growth.
Connie Britton as Elizabeth
In a role charged with emotional resonance, Connie Britton appears as Elizabeth, Alex’s late mother. Even after her passing, Elizabeth’s parting message and influence drive Alex’s quest and shape the film’s emotional core.
José Zúñiga as Samuel
José Zúñiga portrays Samuel, a character whose interactions with Alex help her navigate the complexities of her family’s past and the expectations laid out in her life list.
Jordi Mollà as Johnny
Jordi Mollà’s character, Johnny, adds depth to the narrative. His presence contributes to the mosaic of relationships that challenge and inspire Alex throughout her transformative journey.
Dario Ladani Sanchez as Lucas
Lucas, played by Dario Ladani Sanchez, is one of the key family members who supports Alex, representing the familial bonds and the strength she draws from her roots.
Federico Rodriguez as Julian
As Julian, Federico Rodriguez further enriches the familial dynamic, providing additional perspective and support in Alex’s path to self-discovery.
Marianne Rendón as Zoe
Marianne Rendón’s Zoe is a significant supporting character who embodies the theme of reinvention, offering insights and emotional backing as Alex explores her identity.
Michael Rowland as Finn
Finn, portrayed by Michael Rowland, is another character who plays a crucial supporting role in the narrative, contributing to the interplay of relationships that define Alex’s experiences.
Chelsea Frei as Megan
Chelsea Frei steps into the role of Megan, a character who adds further nuance to the ensemble, representing the broader network of friends and allies in Alex’s journey.
Luca Padovan as Ezra
Ezra, brought to life by Luca Padovan, is one of the characters that round out Alex’s inner circle, offering both comedic relief and heartfelt support.
Rachel Zeiger-Haag as Catherine
Portraying Catherine, Rachel Zeiger-Haag contributes to the film’s exploration of personal challenges and growth, as her character interacts with Alex in meaningful ways.
Maria Jung as Nina
As Nina, Maria Jung provides another layer to the complex relationships within the film, enhancing the narrative’s focus on self-discovery and familial bonds.
Donnetta Lavinia Grays as Ms. Howard
In the role of Ms. Howard, Donnetta Lavinia Grays brings a touch of wisdom and guidance, playing a mentor-like figure who impacts Alex’s journey.
Jonathan Lipnick as Old Man Sullivan
Jonathan Lipnick’s portrayal of Old Man Sullivan adds a unique perspective to the film, representing the wisdom of age and the importance of learning from the past.
Ben Warheit as Jackson
As Jackson, Ben Warheit provides additional depth to the character ensemble, contributing to the film’s exploration of personal reinvention and the ties that bind.
Lila Midkiff as Ellie
Finally, Lila Midkiff’s Ellie rounds out the main cast, offering yet another facet to the story’s depiction of community and the shared journey toward self-fulfillment.
Full Details & Production
- Film Type: American romantic comedy-drama.
- Based on: The novel of the same name by Lori Nelson Spielman.
- Screenplay & Direction: Written and directed by Adam Brooks, known for titles like Definitely, Maybe and Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason.
- Production: Produced by Liza Chasin under 3dot Productions, with previous ties to Fox 2000 Pictures.
- Filming: Principal photography was conducted in locations including Nyack, New York (as noted in international reports), with production wrapping in 2024.
- Technical Crew:
- Cinematography: Florian Ballhaus
- Editing: Peter Teschner
- Music: Will Bates
- Rating: PG-13 for sexual content, drug material, and strong language.
Trailer Highlights
- Plot Teaser: In the trailer, after the unexpected death of her mother, Alex receives a final challenge—to complete her childhood bucket list in order to claim her inheritance.
- Key Scenes:
- A heartfelt open mic night at a comedy club
- A transformative experience teaching at a women’s shelter
- Moments of confrontation with family secrets and personal memories at her childhood home
- Tone: A mix of humor and poignant emotion, setting the stage for both laughs and tears.
Key Themes
- Loss & Reinvention: Alex’s journey is one of personal renewal, as she confronts the past and redefines her future.
- Family Bonds: Central to the story is the deep mother-daughter relationship, which continues to influence Alex even after her mother’s passing.
- Self-Discovery: The film explores the idea of reclaiming lost dreams and embracing one’s authentic self through a series of unconventional challenges.
- Humor Amid Hardship: Balancing bittersweet emotions with humor, the narrative encourages viewers to find joy in life’s unpredictable moments.
Overall Review & Critical Outlook
- Emotional Core: Early impressions highlight that The Life List is both heartwarming and relatable—a story that resonates with anyone who’s ever questioned if they’re truly living.
- Narrative Strength: The script’s blend of comedy and drama, anchored by a moving mother-daughter dynamic, promises to deliver a cathartic experience.
- Anticipation: With strong lead performances and a director known for his knack for balancing humor with emotional depth, both fans and early reviewers are excited for its release.
Challenges & Environments
- Personal Trials: Alex must tackle tasks that push her out of her comfort zone—from performing stand-up comedy to engaging in community service.
- Family Secrets: Along the way, she uncovers hidden truths about her family, adding layers of complexity to her journey.
- Setting: The story is largely set against the vibrant backdrop of New York City, which serves as both a literal and metaphorical stage for Alex’s transformation.
Fan Anticipation & Critical Reception
- Viewer Excitement: Fans are eagerly awaiting the film, drawn by its promise of a “life-affirming” story and the charismatic performance of Sofia Carson.
- Critical Buzz: Early critical commentary praises the film’s nuanced handling of universal themes and its fresh take on the romantic comedy genre.
- Social Media: Anticipation is high on platforms where discussions emphasize the film’s balance of wit and emotion.
Visual Style
- Cinematography: Under the lens of Florian Ballhaus, the film is expected to feature vibrant yet intimate visuals, effectively capturing both the urban energy of New York and the personal, introspective moments of the protagonist.
- Tone & Aesthetics: The visual storytelling complements the narrative’s oscillation between humor and melancholy, using light, color, and framing to mirror Alex’s internal journey.
Director Introduction
- Adam Brooks:
- Background: With previous successes in romantic comedies, Brooks brings his signature style—a mix of wit, heart, and genuine character exploration—to The Life List.
- Vision: His approach emphasizes authenticity and relatability, inviting viewers to reflect on their own life choices and the bittersweet process of growing up.
- Experience: Brooks’s filmography, including Definitely, Maybe and Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, sets high expectations for his direction in blending comedic and dramatic elements seamlessly.
Release Date
- Debut: The Life List is set to stream exclusively on Netflix on March 28, 2025.
- Additional Context: It is part of Netflix’s robust slate for 2025, marking a significant entry in the romantic comedy genre for the year.
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