The Life List 2025

Comedy

Drama

Romance

Box Office

$5.1M

Runtime

2 h 3 m

Language

English

Directed by

Adam Brooks

Made by

3dot productions

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Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for The Life List (2025). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.

As Alex Rose faces the heartbreaking reality of her mother Elizabeth’s battle with metastatic cancer, her life is turned upside down. Following Elizabeth’s passing, the family transitions the management of Rose Cosmetics, with Alex’s sister-in-law stepping in as CEO, while Alex herself is left with a challenging inheritance. Her mother has planned ahead, keeping the family home off the market for a year, and stipulating that all but Alex will receive 20% of the company’s shares. The key to Alex’s share lies in fulfilling a series of life tasks that her mother laid out when Alex was just thirteen, designed to guide her towards personal growth and prevent her from becoming stagnant.

Upon reviewing Elizabeth’s final video message, Alex learns she must collaborate with the executor of the estate, a young lawyer named Brad Ackerman, who will oversee her progress in meeting the challenges on the so-called life list. To unlock her inheritance, Alex must conquer her fears and embark on a quest that involves understanding love and its true essence.

The tasks set before her include a true love test, which involves opening her heart to someone in a profound way. To pass this test, the person must exhibit kindness, inspire her to become her best self, and evoke feelings strong enough that she could envision having a family with them. Initially, she shares this list with her boyfriend Finn, who excitedly dreams of a future where they co-run a gaming company. However, disappointed by his lack of seriousness, Alex decides to take on Elizabeth’s challenge with full determination.

During a comedy club open mic night, Alex impressively confronts a heckler, showcasing her newfound confidence. She challenges herself further by volunteering to teach high school students at a local shelter. Struggling with one particular student, she turns to Garrett Taylor, the shelter’s coordinator, for guidance, strengthening their budding connection.

While navigating family dynamics, Alex uncovers more about her father, musician Johnny Alvarez, leading to confrontations with her brothers regarding her desire to find him. As she dives back into music by learning Clair de Lune from her childhood piano teacher, she faces the additional challenge of performing in a group recital—an experience that continues to test her growth.

As her relationship with Garrett deepens, she involves him in various activities to check off her life list, yet they face turbulence due to miscommunication and emotional friction. An important charity event leads to encouraging encounters, including a memorable interaction with basketball star Patrick Ewing, further validating her adventurous spirit.

In a twist of fate, Alex and Brad embark on a road trip to surprise Johnny but encounter emotional turmoil when they find themselves drawn closer together. After a heartfelt night that escalates into a passionate moment, they are confronted with the reality of their choices. Upon learning that Brad ended his previous relationship because of her, Alex feels conflicted and questions her feelings for both him and Garrett.

Lucas, Alex’s brother, tries to bring the siblings together, culminating in a spontaneous campout that fosters a moment of reconciliation and reflection on the love they shared with their mother. With heavy introspection, Alex eventually reconciles with her estranged father Sam, marking a pivotal moment in her journey toward mending family ties.

As December arrives, Alex is surprised to find herself at the law office without Brad present. However, she learns that despite not completing her tasks, she has been granted her inheritance: the deed to the family home. In a touching final video, Elizabeth encourages her to pursue true love, which prompts a heartfelt reunion with Brad. They share an embrace that signifies a hopeful new beginning.

At a festive New Year’s gathering, Alex’s brother Julian expresses gratitude toward their mother for guiding them through the challenges of the past year, symbolizing the enduring impact of love, family, and the powerful legacy of a mother’s dreams.

Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of The Life List (2025) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.

Elizabeth's Decline

As Alex Rose's mother, Elizabeth, succumbs to metastatic cancer, the family's dynamics shift dramatically. Elizabeth's passing leads to significant changes within Rose Cosmetics, particularly affecting Alex's role at the company.

Inheritance Conditions

Following Elizabeth's death, the family's inheritance conditions are revealed. Alex discovers that her inheritance will only be unlocked if she completes a series of tasks based on a life list her mother wrote when Alex was just 13 years old.

The True Love Test

Alex is presented with a four-point test for true love that will guide her future relationships. The criteria require that a partner fully opens their heart, demonstrates kindness, inspires her to be her best self, and can be envisioned as a future parent.

Discussion with Finn

Alex shares the life list with her boyfriend Finn, who becomes overly enthusiastic about their future together. Appalled by his unrealistic dreams, she decides to confront the situation and seek guidance from Brad, the executor of her mother's estate.

Comedy Club Performance

At an open mic night in a comedy club, Alex successfully battles a heckler, marking an important step out of her comfort zone. This performance boosts her confidence and sets the stage for her to tackle additional challenges from her list.

Comedy Club

Volunteering at a Shelter

Alex volunteers to teach high school students at a local shelter, though she struggles with one particularly challenging student. Seeking help, she reaches out to Garrett, the shelter's coordinator, who offers her valuable advice.

Local Shelter

Finding Birth Father

During a dinner with her estranged father Sam, Alex uncovers a shocking family secret: her biological father is a musician named Johnny Alvarez. She proposes to her brothers that they should find him, sparking varied reactions from her siblings.

Piano Lessons and Recital

Alex reconnects with her childhood piano teacher to learn 'Clair de Lune' as part of her tasks. However, she faces difficulties with the group recital, prompting her to seek Garrett's support once more.

Music Recital

Charity Event with Garrett

While dating Garrett, Alex successfully gets NBA star Patrick Ewing to participate in a charity event. This experience allows her to check off more items from her list, but she feels their activities have become too centered around Garrett.

Charity Event

Conflict with Garrett

Tensions rise when Alex invites Garrett to a dinner party with her friends, leading to an argument afterwards. Garrett feels that Alex is only with him to complete her life list, which causes further strain in their relationship.

Trip to Vermont

Without a ride, Brad and Nina drive Alex to Vermont to surprise Johnny, her birth father. After a heartfelt encounter at a gig, Alex and Brad grow closer during a night of drinks, sharing intimate moments that complicate their relationship.

Vermont

Johnny's Disappearance

The following morning, Alex and Brad are devastated to find that Johnny has ghosted them. Their return home is silent, highlighted by a bittersweet conversation that leads to a shared kiss between Alex and Brad.

Breaking Up with Garrett

Feeling the pressure from her recent relationship developments, Alex confronts Garrett about their issues. Realizing their relationship lacks genuine connection, they decide to break up, allowing Alex to embrace her true self.

Family Reunion

In a surprising twist, Lucas organizes an impromptu campout for the siblings under the full moon at their family home. This bonding experience leads to revelations about their mother's love and the shared struggles they've endured.

Family Home

Inheritance Revelation

As the year closes, Alex visits the law office, expecting to leave empty-handed due to incomplete tasks. To her surprise, she receives her inheritance: the deed to her mother's house, along with a final video message urging her to strive for true love.

December Law Office

Embracing True Love

After a heartfelt conversation, Alex confesses to Brad her feelings of being overwhelmed. Realizing they fulfill the true love test, they share a tender embrace, initiating a new beginning for their relationship.

New Year's Celebration

At Alex's New Year's Eve party, Julian thanks their late mother for helping them through a challenging year. This reflects the family's growth and the lasting impact of Elizabeth's love on their lives.

New Year's Eve

Characters

Explore all characters from The Life List (2025). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.

Alex Rose

Alex is a determined young woman navigating the challenges of her mother's illness and the pressures of her inheritance. She embarks on a transformative journey, learning to embrace love and pursue her dreams while dealing with complex family dynamics. Her character evolves as she confronts her fears and desires, ultimately seeking authentic connections.

💪 Determination ❤️ Self-Discovery 👩‍👧 Family

Elizabeth

As Alex's mother, Elizabeth plays a pivotal role in guiding her daughter's journey even after her passing. Her life list serves as a framework for Alex's growth, revealing Elizabeth's wisdom and love. Elizabeth's character represents nurturing care, imparting valuable life lessons that shape Alex's decisions.

🌹 Maternal Love 🌟 Inspiration 📚 Guidance

Brad Ackerman

Brad is a young lawyer and executor of Elizabeth's will, serving as both a challenge and a support system for Alex. His character embodies the conflict between professional obligations and personal feelings, as he navigates his emotional connection with Alex while helping her complete the life tasks. His presence encourages Alex to confront what truly matters to her.

⚖️ Professionalism ❤️ Companionship 🌟 Challenge

Garrett Taylor

Garrett is a compassionate figure who guides Alex through her challenges at the high school shelter. As a potential love interest, he reflects the theme of growth through mutual support. His character ultimately pushes Alex to confront her own identity and priorities in relationships.

💖 Support 🌈 Relationships 🎓 Mentorship

Setting

Learn where and when The Life List (2025) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.

Time period

Present Day

The film unfolds in contemporary times, capturing the dynamics of modern relationships, career struggles, and personal discovery. It reflects current societal themes, including familial responsibilities, personal aspirations, and the nuances of love in today’s world. Set against the familiar backdrop of present-day issues like health crises and corporate challenges, it resonates with a contemporary audience.

Location

Vermont, Rose Cosmetics, high school shelter

The movie primarily takes place in Vermont, known for its picturesque landscapes and tranquil ambiance, providing a backdrop for personal growth and reflection. Rose Cosmetics serves as a pivotal place, representing Alex's past and the corporate world she is trying to navigate. Additionally, the high school shelter signifies a place of community and support, where Alex confronts her own challenges and grows.

🏠 Home 🌄 Nature 🎨 Education

Themes

Discover the main themes in The Life List (2025). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.

❤️

True Love

The quest for true love is central to Alex's journey, emphasized through her mother's life list, which includes criteria that challenge her to deepen her emotional connections. The story illustrates how love entails openness, support, and the willingness to envision a future together. Ultimately, it reflects the transformative power of love and how it influences personal growth.

🌱

Personal Growth

Alex's journey is marked by significant personal growth as she embarks on fulfilling her mother's last wishes. Through various trials, she learns to step out of her comfort zone, confront her fears, and redefine her relationships. This theme highlights the importance of self-discovery and resilience in the face of adversity.

👩‍👧‍👦

Family Bonds

Family relationships play a crucial role in the narrative, particularly Alex's bond with her mother, Elizabeth, and her siblings. The film showcases the complexity of familial ties, including reconciliation, support, and the shared grief of losing a loved one. It emphasizes how familial love shapes individuals and motivates them to seek connection and healing.

The Life List Ending Explained

Unravel the ending of The Life List (2025) with our detailed explanation. Understand the final scenes, character fates, and unresolved questions.

At the end of The Life List, Alex’s journey reveals that her mother Elizabeth’s true gift was not her inheritance but the wisdom she left behind. By completing her mother’s list, Alex begins to reconnect with herself and understand what truly matters—love, authenticity, and self-fulfillment. Despite initially doing the list for the promise of inheritance, she finds deeper meaning in embracing her passions, forgiving her father, and realizing her worth beyond material possessions. When Alex searches for her birth father, Johnny, she hopes for a connection that might fill the void of her past. However, she quickly learns that finding her biological father doesn’t automatically heal her emotional wounds or give her the love she craves. Johnny’s absence at breakfast makes it clear that some relationships, no matter how long lost, might never fulfill her expectations or needs. Meanwhile, her romantic journey culminates with her understanding that Brad genuinely cares for her, and she admits her love to him. This honesty marks her true transformation. The final scene shows Alex choosing love over fear, embracing her relationship with Brad, and appreciating the love and support around her, including her brother Samuel and the memory of her mother. The story ends with her realizing that the real inheritance her mother wanted to pass on was the importance of living authentically, fighting for love, and cherishing the relationships that truly matter. Elizabeth’s encouragement to hold onto loved ones reminds Alex that love isn’t something to be delayed or taken for granted but something worth fighting for, ultimately leading her to a place of happiness and self-acceptance.

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