# The Life List Cast and Character Guide : Who’s Who in the Movie
Netflix’s heartwarming romantic comedy-drama “The Life List” captivated audiences when it premiered on March 28, 2025. This film follows protagonist Alex Rose who must complete a bucket list she created as a 13-year-old following her mother’s death from cancer. The engaging storyline, reminiscent of the strategic planning needed in life’s pivotal moments, features a stellar ensemble cast that brings depth to this emotional journey. Sofia Carson leads the talented cast through a narrative filled with unexpected revelations, personal growth, and newfound romance. This comprehensive guide breaks down all major characters in the film, their complex relationships, and the performers who bring them to life.
Main characters and their portrayals
Sofia Carson as Alex Rose delivers a compelling performance as the film’s protagonist, a young woman whose life is upended after her mother’s death. Alex must abandon her comfort zone to complete a childhood bucket list that becomes a journey of self-discovery. Like calculating odds in a high-stakes game, Alex must strategically navigate each challenge.
Kyle Allen portrays Brad Ackerman, the dedicated young lawyer tasked with executing Elizabeth’s will. Brad meticulously verifies Alex’s completion of each task and delivers pre-recorded video messages from her mother. His professional demeanor gradually transforms as he develops genuine feelings for Alex throughout her journey.
Connie Britton brilliantly embodies Elizabeth, Alex’s deceased mother whose presence remains powerful through pre-recorded videos. Despite limited screen time, Britton creates an emotionally resonant character whose carefully planned strategy guides her daughter toward personal fulfillment and unexpected romance.
Sebastian de Souza plays Garrett Taylor, a charismatic shelter coordinator who briefly dates Alex during her volunteer work. While their romance shows initial promise, it ultimately falls short of meeting Elizabeth’s “true love test,” representing an important stepping stone in Alex’s emotional development.
Alex’s family members
Parental figures
José Zúñiga portrays Samuel (Sam), Alex’s estranged father whose complicated relationship with Elizabeth led to their separation. Throughout the film, Alex confronts her complicated feelings toward Sam, gradually working toward reconciliation as family secrets emerge. The character’s careful navigation of past mistakes mirrors the calculated decisions often required in life-changing situations.
Jordi Mollà plays Johnny Alvarez, a charismatic musician revealed to be Alex’s biological father. This shocking revelation represents one of the film’s most dramatic moments, forcing Alex to reconsider her entire identity. Their newfound connection adds depth to the family drama aspect of this Netflix production.
Siblings and extended family
Dario Ladani Sanchez and Federico Rodriguez portray Lucas and Julian, Alex’s brothers who react differently to their mother’s unconventional final wishes. Julian, alongside his wife Zoe (played by Marianne Rendón), offers Alex steady support while dealing with his own grief. These family dynamics create a realistic portrayal of how families process loss differently, adding emotional weight to the film’s dramatic elements.
Supporting characters in Alex’s journey
Chelsea Frei shines as Megan, Alex’s loyal best friend who provides both emotional support and comic relief throughout the bucket list challenges. Megan’s unwavering friendship represents a constant as Alex navigates tremendous change, similar to having a reliable advisor during uncertain times.
The supporting cast enhances the narrative with memorable contributions:
- Michael Rowland and Maria Jung portray community members who help Alex during her stand-up comedy attempt
- Donnetta Lavinia Grays plays a piano instructor guiding Alex through learning “Clair de Lune”
- Luca Padovan and Rachel Zeiger-Haag appear as shelter volunteers working alongside Alex
These characters collectively represent different aspects of life Alex must navigate while completing her mother’s carefully crafted list of challenges. Each interaction propels her character development forward in meaningful ways that enhance the comedy-drama elements.
Character relationships and development
The evolving romance between Alex and Brad forms the emotional core of the film. Their relationship transforms from strictly professional to deeply personal as Brad witnesses Alex’s vulnerability and growth through each list accomplishment. Their chemistry develops naturally, avoiding rushed romantic comedy tropes in favor of authentic connection.
Alex’s posthumous relationship with Elizabeth provides the film’s most touching moments. Through video messages triggered by list completions, mother and daughter share an unconventional connection that helps Alex process grief while discovering her mother’s true intentions. This innovative narrative device, adapted from Lori Nelson Spielman’s novel, creates powerful emotional moments throughout the film.
Family reconciliations and revelations drive significant character development as Alex reconnects with her father Samuel while discovering Johnny’s identity. These complicated relationships highlight how family dynamics shape our identities and influence our life choices.
Cast performances and critical reception
Sofia Carson’s central performance anchored the film, earning praise for emotional depth despite some critics finding the character’s journey predictable. Carson’s portrayal of Alex’s transformation from reluctant participant to embracing her mother’s final gift resonated particularly with audience reviews.
Kyle Allen and Connie Britton delivered standout supporting performances that elevated the screenplay’s emotional impact. Britton especially made the most of limited screen time, creating a memorable character whose presence is felt throughout the production despite appearing only in pre-recorded videos.
The film received mixed critical reception with a 45% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and 49/100 on Metacritic. Critics praised the cast’s performances while finding fault with Adam Brooks’ direction and screenplay adaptation. Audience reviews proved significantly more favorable, pushing the film to Netflix’s #1 position the week following its release. The PG-13 rated comedy-drama connected with viewers through its exploration of grief, family secrets, and finding true love.
