‘The Life List’ – The Inspiring Movie That Urges Women to Change Their Lives… But Is It Really That Simple?
At first glance, The Life List feels like the perfect feel-good movie: a heartfelt, emotionally rich story about rediscovering yourself, chasing long-lost dreams, and embracing second chances. It’s the kind of story that leaves you feeling inspired, moved—and maybe even a little restless. But beneath the warmth and inspiration lies a deeper question: is it ever really that simple to just change your life?
A Story of Dreams Deferred
At the heart of The Life List is Alex, a woman who appears to have it all—an impressive career, a picture-perfect relationship, and a polished, successful life. But when her mother passes away and leaves behind a list of goals Alex wrote as a teenager, she’s challenged to complete them all. What begins as a reluctant obligation slowly becomes a transformative journey of self-discovery.
As Alex works through the list—riding a horse, baking a pie, falling in love—each item brings her closer to the girl she once was, and further from the version of herself shaped by expectations and compromise. It’s a simple premise, but one that resonates deeply: What would happen if you stopped living the life you thought you were supposed to live, and started living the one you actually want?
Empowering—But Not Without Questions
The message of The Life List is undeniably empowering. It encourages women to reconnect with their passions, question the status quo, and find the courage to make meaningful changes. It’s about reclaiming your voice and choosing happiness on your own terms. But it also raises an important issue: Is real change ever that clean-cut?
In real life, walking away from a career, a relationship, or a comfortable routine is messy. It involves fear, sacrifice, uncertainty. While The Life List touches on these struggles, it’s still a movie—crafted to inspire, not to dwell in the complexities of financial risk, emotional backlash, or the sheer exhaustion of starting over. It simplifies what, in reality, is a long, hard road.
Why It Still Matters
Despite its rose-tinted lens, The Life List hits on something powerful: the idea that women are allowed to want more, and to pursue it unapologetically. It celebrates the idea that dreams don’t have to expire with age or routine. It doesn’t pretend that change is easy, but it suggests that it’s possible—and that’s a message worth hearing.
It’s especially resonant for women who’ve been taught to prioritize stability, caretaking, and practicality over personal fulfillment. Alex’s journey isn’t just about ticking boxes off a list—it’s about waking up to the reality that life doesn’t have to be lived on autopilot.
Final Thoughts: A Movie That Asks the Right Questions
So, is The Life List overly idealistic? In some ways, yes. It wraps big, painful transitions into a narrative that’s palatable and inspiring. But its real strength lies in its ability to start the conversation—to make viewers reflect on the lives they’ve built, the dreams they’ve shelved, and the version of themselves they’ve left behind.
It’s not a perfect roadmap, but it’s a powerful invitation: to pause, to reflect, and to ask—are you brave enough to step out of your comfort zone and live the life you’ve always wanted?
