Note: This article contains significant spoilers for The Life List!
The trailer for Netflix’s romantic dramedy, The Life List, initially sparked my enthusiasm. Its premise seemed reminiscent of films like The To-Do List (2013), The Bucket List (2007), and the series Dash and Lily (2020). I was already familiar with the three lead actors from their previous performances, and I was confident in their ability to carry a heartfelt narrative.
After viewing the film, I resonated with the positive aspects highlighted in Rachel Lebonte’s review on Screen Rant. The delivery by Sofia Carson and Connie Britton stood out; their emotional scenes were compelling. However, I found The Life List suffered from notable flaws, making it feel less like a polished final product and more akin to a rough draft. I firmly believe this narrative could have benefitted greatly had it been adapted into a television series instead.
The Life List Would Have Thrived as a TV Series
An Overwhelming Amount of Story in Just Two Hours
While The Life List offers a touching narrative, it could have reached greater heights had Netflix opted for a series format. The protagonist, Alex, embarks on her journey over a year, a timeframe that quickly feels constricted within a two-hour film. Important moments—like getting a tattoo or her experience at a mosh pit—are glossed over, leaving viewers to speculate on the emotional significance of these events.
A television series would have allowed for deeper character exploration and a more thorough depiction of Alex’s journey toward fulfilling her life list. While the film attempts to introduce secondary characters like Julian, Garrett, and Johnny, they lack sufficient development for viewers to form genuine connections. Their presence feels superficial, especially regarding Alex’s romance with Garrett, which fades too abruptly after their breakup. A longer format would undoubtedly allow for a richer character arc.
Many Important Details Were Overlooked
Unresolved Conflicts and Questions
One significant shortcoming throughout The Life List is its neglect of crucial details that could have provided depth and emotional weight to the narrative. The reasons behind Alex’s stagnation remain murky, which hampers the audience’s ability to connect with her journey. Although her grief over losing a parent is relatable, her inner turmoil predates that event.
Additionally, the film fails to address how Alex copes with her mother’s infidelity, which is positioned as a pivotal revelation. It also leaves the circumstances around her job loss ambiguous, despite its long-lasting implications. All these narrative gaps could have been effectively bridged by transforming The Life List into a TV series, which would have either streamlined the plot or provided ample screen time to resolve these lingering issues.