The Life List (2025)

Last updated:
June 2, 2025

The Life List (2025) is a heartfelt romantic comedy-drama directed by Adam Brooks, adapted from Lori Nelson Spielman’s bestselling novel. The film follows Alex Rose (Sofia Carson) as she embarks on a transformative journey to fulfill her teenage “life list,” a series of aspirations she penned at 13, as a condition to claim her inheritance after her mother’s passing.

Table of Contents

Detailed Summary

Inheritance with a Twist

Upon her mother Elizabeth’s (Connie Britton) death, Alex discovers that her inheritance is contingent upon completing her childhood “life list.” This stipulation, delivered via a posthumous video message, is designed to nudge Alex out of her comfort zone and towards personal growth. The tasks range from performing stand-up comedy to finding true love .

Embracing New Challenges

Alex dives into the list, tackling each item with varying degrees of success. She bombs at an open mic night, volunteers as a teacher for underprivileged youth, and attempts to reconnect with her estranged father. These experiences, while challenging, catalyze significant personal development .

Romantic Entanglements

As Alex progresses, she grows close to Brad (Kyle Allen), the lawyer overseeing her mother’s will. Their relationship complicates when they share an intimate moment, despite Brad’s existing relationship with his girlfriend, Nina. This development introduces emotional turmoil and forces Alex to confront her feelings and the authenticity of her actions .

Movie Ending

In the film’s climax, Alex completes most of her list but struggles with the “find true love” item. After a series of introspective moments and reconciliations with her family, she realizes that Brad fulfills the criteria her mother outlined for true love: someone who is kind, inspires her, and with whom she can envision a future. Despite earlier conflicts, Alex confesses her feelings to Brad, and they share a kiss at a New Year’s Eve party, symbolizing a new beginning .

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, The Life List does not feature any post-credits scenes. The narrative concludes with the New Year’s Eve celebration, providing a satisfying closure to Alex’s journey.

Type of Movie

The Life List is a romantic comedy-drama that blends elements of personal growth, family dynamics, and romantic exploration. Its tone balances heartfelt moments with lighthearted humor, appealing to fans of character-driven stories.

Cast

Sofia Carson as Alex Rose
Kyle Allen as Brad
Sebastian de Souza as Garrett
Connie Britton as Elizabeth
José Zúñiga as Samuel
Jordi Mollà as Johnny
Marianne Rendón as Zoe
Chelsea Frei as Megan
Ben Warheit as Jackson
Patrick Ewing as Himself

Film Music and Composer

The film’s score was composed by Will Bates, known for his work on various film and television projects. His compositions in The Life List underscore the emotional beats and character arcs, enhancing the storytelling experience .

Filming Locations

The Life List was primarily filmed in New York City and surrounding areas, including Nyack, New York. Notable locations featured in the film include:

Chinatown: Used for vibrant establishing shots.
Washington Square Park: A backdrop for pivotal scenes.
Greenwich Village Comedy Club: The setting for Alex’s stand-up performance.
River Deli Restaurant in Brooklyn: Featured as a local eatery in the film .

These locations contribute to the film’s authentic urban atmosphere, grounding Alex’s journey in a tangible setting.

Awards and Nominations

As of now, there is no public information regarding awards or nominations for The Life List.

Behind the Scenes Insights

Adaptation Process: Director Adam Brooks adapted the screenplay from Lori Nelson Spielman’s novel, aiming to capture the essence of the source material while translating it effectively to the screen.
Casting Choices: Sofia Carson was cast as the lead, bringing a blend of musical talent and acting prowess to the role of Alex.
Filming Schedule: Principal photography took place in September 2024, utilizing various New York locales to bring the story to life .

Inspirations and References

The film is based on the novel The Life List by Lori Nelson Spielman, which explores themes of self-discovery, familial expectations, and the pursuit of personal dreams. The adaptation stays true to the novel’s core message while making necessary adjustments for cinematic storytelling.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

There is no publicly available information regarding alternate endings or deleted scenes for The Life List.

Book Adaptations and Differences

While the film closely follows the narrative arc of Spielman’s novel, certain elements were modified for cinematic pacing and character development. For instance, some supporting characters may have been condensed or altered to streamline the story for a two-hour runtime.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

Stand-Up Comedy Attempt: Alex’s brave, albeit unsuccessful, foray into stand-up comedy marks a significant step out of her comfort zone.
Teaching Experience: Her time teaching underprivileged youth challenges her perceptions and fosters growth.
New Year’s Eve Party: The culmination of her journey, where she embraces her achievements and newfound love.

Iconic Quotes

Elizabeth: “Life isn’t about checking boxes; it’s about finding joy in the unexpected.”
Alex: “Maybe the list wasn’t about achieving goals, but about discovering who I am.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

Cameo Appearance: Former NBA star Patrick Ewing appears as himself, adding a touch of realism and surprise to the film.
Literary References: The inclusion of Clair de Lune and Moby Dick in Alex’s tasks nods to classic literature and music, symbolizing her journey through cultural and personal exploration.

Trivia

Real-Life Locations: The film showcases actual New York City landmarks, enhancing its authenticity.
Music Integration: Sofia Carson’s musical background is subtly integrated into the film, particularly in scenes involving piano performances.

Why Watch?

The Life List offers a compelling narrative about embracing change, confronting personal fears, and the importance of pursuing one’s true desires. Its blend of humor, romance, and emotional depth makes it a relatable and inspiring watch for audiences seeking a story about personal growth and love.

The Life List (2025)