My Review of "Life List"
An interesting family drama that will tug on your heartstrings especially if you've lost someone in your life.
Life List is a family drama that recently came out exclusively on Netflix. It's a tale of a person going through self discovery and grief at the same time. I wasn't sure what to make of this movie but the concept sounded quite interesting. I'm sure everyone at some point will lose someone in their life and this movie does a pretty good portrayal of losing someone close to them.
The movie starts out with an awkward encounter at a family function. We have our main character Alex and she kind of dreads meeting up with her family. She's the only one in the family that's kind of aimlessly trying to navigate through life. Everyone around her age is starting to grow their family and already have established careers. She seems to be in a casual relationship with some guy and her mother has hired her on for a job that she has no passion for.
Everyone at the party understands this but are too polite to say anything. That is except for her mother. Alex and her mother are particularly close to one another. She's the one person that Alex can truly confide in. Even her mother recognizes the ditch that Alex has dug herself into. Her mother constantly tries to spark some light into Alex but this time it's special.
The family party that they're all at is a celebration of life. The matriarch confides in them that she is going to pass away. Some time passes away and we meet again at a lawyer's office. Here is where the mother's final wishes are explained to the family. Everyone seems to get something except for Alex.
Alex is given a special package. In this package she discovers that her mother is sending her on a bit of a scavenger hunt. When Alex was a teenager she had written a bucket list to do. Her mother never forgot about this and thought that the list was quite relevant. She hopes that the list will spark some life into her somewhat pedestrian life. With each task that Alex completes, there will be a new video to give Alex more information from her mother.
Having nothing else to lose, Alex agrees to go on this journey. In doing so, she discovers more about herself and her mother. It kind of opens up her eyes to what she really wants in life and what kind of path she was following.
I thought this was a very well shot movie. Everything in this movie is pristine and beautiful. This goes from the scenes and sets all the way to the actors playing in this movie. Everything is so clean and nice looking, I felt like I was in some sort of cartoon fairytale. I guess it's a nice little escape from the real world.
Yet there are a lot of elements of real life in here. The way they portray loss and grief in this movie is pretty spot on accurate. They are able to have us feel the numbness, anguish and closure. Alex goes through the gambit of emotions but she's not all over the place either. She keeps her composure throughout the movie which was a nice take on grief. Not everyone becomes a blithering idiot when bad things happen to them. Alex is certainly capable and level headed. I think this is what makes her such a relatable character.
Sure there are a lot of paint by numbers scenes in here. I won't lie to you, this movie can be quite formulaic and you can tell things are going to happen. They pretty much choreograph everything from the beginning and you already know what's going to happen. Still the ride is quite fun. The cast does a good job in keeping us entertained throughout the run. The script doesn't hurt either.
Overall, this is a fun little diversion. If you've lost someone close to you, I think this movie will especially tug on your heartstrings. There are some good moments between Alex and her mother and family drama. Nothing to write home about but still entertaining none the less. I have to give this movie a 6.5 out of 10.
About the Creator
Brian Anonymous
I have tons of opinions that change constantly. I watch a lot of movies and play video games. There are some articles on my struggles with languages and dance as well.
Keep reading
More stories from Brian Anonymous and writers in Geeks and other communities.
My Review of "Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man: Season 1"
Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man: Season 1 is streaming now exclusively on Disney Plus. This is an animated television show that some might groan at when hearing about it. There have been countless animated Spider-Man television shows and movies. How are they going to retell his origin story yet again? I didn't think they'd be able to pull it off yet here we are with another fun revision of his backstory.
By Brian Anonymous10 months ago in Geeks
Silver Screen Magic with Mae West
American actress and singer Mae West became a popular film actress during the Great Depression. She started entertaining in vaudeville, then performed on Broadway, and finally went to Hollywood. She signed up with Paramount Pictures and made her debut in the 1932 film “Night After Night.” She also starred in musicals, comedies, and crime dramas. The American Film Institute named her one of the best classic Hollywood actresses.
By Rasma Raisters6 days ago in Geeks
Ben Affleck and Matt Damon Reunite for The Rip
Few Hollywood friendships have endured the pressures of fame, criticism, and changing trends quite like the bond between Ben Affleck and Matt Damon. From their early days as struggling actors in Boston to becoming Academy Award winners and respected filmmakers, their careers have remained deeply intertwined. With The Rip, the longtime collaborators are once again stepping into familiar creative territory, reminding audiences why their partnership continues to matter in modern cinema. A Brotherhood Built on Storytelling Affleck and Damon’s story is well documented, but it never loses its relevance. Childhood friends who shared a passion for acting, they rose to prominence together with Good Will Hunting, a film that not only launched their careers but also established them as serious storytellers. The project was personal, grounded, and emotionally honest — qualities that would later become trademarks of their collaborations. Over the years, both men pursued individual paths. Damon became known for his versatility and global box office appeal, while Affleck balanced acting with directing, earning praise for films like Gone Baby Gone, Argo, and The Town. Despite periods where they worked separately, their creative connection never truly faded. The Rip represents another meaningful chapter in that shared journey. What The Rip Represents While The Rip is rooted in the crime-thriller genre, its significance goes beyond plot details. The project signals a return to character-driven storytelling — something both Affleck and Damon have increasingly gravitated toward as their careers have matured. Rather than relying on spectacle alone, the film leans into moral complexity, personal stakes, and the psychological tension that defines effective crime dramas. Affleck and Damon have always excelled in stories where flawed individuals are forced to confront uncomfortable truths. The Rip appears to follow that tradition, focusing on the human consequences behind crime rather than glorifying it. This approach aligns well with current audience preferences, where authenticity and emotional depth often resonate more strongly than formulaic action. Creative Control and Artistic Trust One of the most compelling aspects of The Rip is the level of creative trust involved. Affleck and Damon are no longer just actors for hire; they are producers and decision-makers with a clear vision of the stories they want to tell. Their shared production background allows them to shape projects from the ground up, ensuring consistency in tone and purpose. This kind of control is rare, but it suits their working style. Both actors have spoken openly about learning from past missteps and prioritizing projects that feel meaningful rather than commercially safe. The Rip reflects that mindset — a film made not to chase trends, but to tell a story they believe in. A Mature Take on Crime Cinema Crime films have long been a part of Affleck’s filmography, particularly as a director. What sets The Rip apart is its apparent focus on restraint. Instead of excessive violence or flashy twists, the film emphasizes tension, atmosphere, and ethical ambiguity. Damon’s involvement further strengthens this approach, as he has consistently shown an ability to convey internal conflict with subtlety. Together, they bring a grounded realism that elevates the genre. Their performances are expected to rely less on bravado and more on silence, expression, and moral uncertainty — elements that often define the most memorable crime dramas. Why Audiences Still Care In an era dominated by franchises and reboots, the continued interest in Affleck and Damon’s collaborations speaks volumes. Audiences aren’t just watching familiar faces; they’re investing in a partnership that has evolved alongside them. Many viewers who grew up with Good Will Hunting are now drawn to stories that reflect adult complexity, accountability, and consequence. The Rip taps into that shared history. It doesn’t attempt to recreate the past, but it honors it by showcasing how both men have grown — as artists and as people. That sense of progression gives the project emotional weight beyond its narrative. The Broader Impact of Their Reunion Affleck and Damon’s reunion also highlights a broader shift in Hollywood, where established actors are increasingly taking ownership of smaller, more focused projects. Rather than relying solely on blockbuster appeal, they are using their influence to support films that prioritize substance over scale. This approach benefits audiences and the industry alike. It encourages diverse storytelling and proves that experience, when paired with creative risk, can still produce compelling cinema. Looking Ahead The Rip may not redefine the crime genre, but it doesn’t need to. Its strength lies in intention — two longtime collaborators choosing a story that reflects their values and artistic instincts. For Affleck and Damon, the film is less about reinvention and more about refinement. Their partnership has always thrived on honesty, both on and off screen. With The Rip, they continue to demonstrate that meaningful collaborations don’t fade with time — they deepen. As audiences await the film’s release, one thing remains clear: when Ben Affleck and Matt Damon work together, the result is more than nostalgia. It’s a reminder of what thoughtful, character-driven filmmaking can still achieve.
By Saboor Brohi 2 days ago in Geeks
The Devil's Cut
“Comrade, finally you’re awake.” The voice was smooth, sensual. A flickering incandescent bar was all that lit the white, sterile room. All Vladimir remembered was everything going black. He tried to move his arms and found them strapped to the gurney.
By Matthew J. Fromm5 days ago in Fiction
Comments
There are no comments for this story
Be the first to respond and start the conversation.