When I settled in to watch The Life List, I’ll confess I approached it with a hint of skepticism. The premise—an ambitious woman rediscovering her childhood dreams—seemed ripe for the kind of overly sweet, predictable storytelling that sometimes plagues streaming films. You know the type: a glossy finish, a clear endpoint from the opening scene, and a journey that rarely strays from the expected path.

But here’s the surprise: The Life List won me over. Despite a few moments of surface-level simplicity, this dramedy radiates a gentle charm that feels like a warm hug on a lazy weekend evening. It’s not a film I’d rush to rewatch, but it’s undeniably endearing, and I suspect it’ll strike a chord with many. Much of its appeal hinges on Sofia Carson, who’s steadily carving out her place as one of Netflix’s brightest talents, with standout roles in hits like Purple Hearts and Carry-On.

Adapted from Lori Nelson Spielman’s novel of the same name, The Life List, directed by Adam Brooks, introduces us to Alex (Carson), a woman coasting through life. She’s abandoned her passion for teaching, settled into a relationship with a kind but childish boyfriend, and seems content to let her days drift by. The film leans on dialogue from those around her to hint at her stagnation rather than showing it outright, but it’s evident Alex needs a nudge—or a shove—toward something more. That shove arrives with the sudden passing of her mother, Elizabeth (Connie Britton).

A Journey That’s Light on Struggle, Heavy on Heart

Alex anticipates inheriting her mother’s company or at least securing her job there. Instead, she’s met with a curveball from Elizabeth’s lawyer, Brad (Kyle Allen): she gets nothing—yet. Through a series of video messages, Elizabeth tasks Alex with completing her “life list,” a set of goals she scribbled down at age 13. Think “perform stand-up comedy” or “be an amazing teacher”—the kind of lofty, starry-eyed dreams only a kid would dare to dream.

For about five minutes, Alex resists. Then, with surprising ease, she dives in. Given how deeply “stuck” she’s supposed to be, her swift shift feels almost too smooth. The film doesn’t linger on what held her back—no scarring trauma, no clear battle with mental health struggles, just a vague sense of inertia. This lightness softens the stakes of her transformation; if she can so effortlessly rediscover her spark, how lost was she really?

Still, I found myself drawn to the film’s quiet wisdom. As someone in my late 20s reflecting on my own path, something is moving about watching Alex pause to consider the life she wants—and then chase it. The Life List may not dig deep into her past, but it delivers a gentle reminder to take stock and make bold moves toward what matters.

Sofia Carson Leads a Cast That Warms the Soul

Sofia Carson anchors the film with a grounded and radiant performance. Alex is relatable—imperfect but driven—and Carson brings a quiet resilience that keeps the story from tipping into mushy territory. Though mostly confined to video cameos as Elizabeth, Connie Britton infuses every frame with her nurturing glow, amplifying the film’s cozy vibe.

Romance simmers on the sidelines, with Alex catching the eye of a couple of suitors. But it’s her budding connection with Brad (Allen) that crackles most. Their rapport unfolds naturally, sweet without being cloying, and adds a tender layer to the film’s easygoing charm. The Life List doesn’t throw curveballs or wallow in heavy drama, and that’s its strength—it’s a breezy, heartwarming watch that leaves you smiling.

In the end, The Life List proves Sofia Carson is a force to be reckoned with on Netflix. It’s not a groundbreaking tale, but it’s a delightful one—and sometimes, that’s more than enough.