“The Life List” brings Lori Nelson Spielman’s bestselling novel to the screen with a heartfelt story about grief, growth, and second chances.

It ambitiously turns pain into purpose and a childhood bucket list into a roadmap for rediscovery. While it may not hit every emotional note with perfect precision, the film offers a warm, sometimes overly polished, yet relatable reminder that death doesn’t have to be the end of your story—it can also mark the beginning of a new one.

The heart of the story lies in Alex Rose (Sofia Carson), a woman in her early thirties navigating the loss of her mother, Elizabeth (Connie Britton), and the sudden disintegration of a life she thought she had figured out. Directed by Adam Shankman, best known for feel-good fare like “Hairspray” and “Disenchanted”, the film leans heavily into sentimentality, which works well for its hopeful message, though sometimes at the cost of emotional depth.

His clean-cut aesthetic and love for grand emotional moments are evident throughout, adding both charm and occasional cheesiness to the viewing experience. Carson delivers a grounded, emotionally vulnerable performance, stepping beyond her usual glossy roles.

Britton, meanwhile, manages to be both nurturing and wise through audio recordings alone, a testament to her ability to convey depth with minimal screen time. The heart of the story lies in Alex Rose (Sofia Carson), a woman in her early thirties navigating the loss of her mother, Elizabeth (Connie Britton), and the sudden disintegration of a life she thought she had figured out. After losing her teaching job and reluctantly joining her mother’s cosmetics company, Alex faces the ultimate twist of fate: instead of being handed her inheritance, she receives a box of CDs and an old, handwritten life list she scribbled down as a child. If she completes each goal on the list, she earns another CD, a personal message from her late mother, until all the items are ticked off.

What follows is a year-long rollercoaster of challenges, emotional breakdowns, and rediscovery. From jumping into a mosh pit to trying stand-up comedy, the goals aren’t just quirky checkboxes. They force Alex to examine her life choices, confront her grief, and embrace uncertainty. These goals also push her toward unexpected joy and healing.

More than just a legal advisor, Brad (Kyle Allen) becomes a grounding presence and potential love interest, helping Alex navigate the chaos. Connie Britton’s portrayal of Elizabeth, even from beyond the grave, is both nurturing and empowering. Alex’s journey is marked by metaphorical milestones – finding love, taking risks, rediscovering joy – that are real enough to stir something in those who have faced similar losses.

The film deserves credit for portraying her growth as non-linear. The cinematography has a soft, nostalgic glow that gives the film an almost storybook quality. It feels comforting, familiar which is fitting for a story about revisiting the dreams of our youth. Though the film, streaming on Netflix, is adapted from Spielman’s novel, it does make some notable changes. Some subplots from the book are trimmed, and side characters are less developed on screen. At just over two hours, the film does feel stretched at times, especially as Alex ticks off each life goal.

Still, the message is clear: Life doesn’t stop when someone you love dies. It changes. It unravels. And slowly, piece by piece, it can begin again. *** solid and enjoyable, though not groundbreaking.