Netflix’s New Rom-Com Sparks Breakups, But Its Star Sees the Beauty in It

Netflix’s new rom-com, The Life List, has been making an unexpected mark on viewers. Rather than simply providing audiences with a feel-good love story, the film has allegedly caused some viewers to reevaluate their own relationships, and in some cases, even end their romantic relationships. The lead actress in the film, Sofia Carson, recently discussed this surprising effect and what she thinks reflects the deeper message of the movie.

And Carson, who has broken through with popular turns in Purple Hearts and Carry-On, embarks on a new kind of journey in The Life List. In the film, she stars as Alex, a woman who must reevaluate her life decisions following the death of her mother, played by Connie Britton. When her mother dies, Alex discovers that she will have to check off a list of goals she wrote at the tender age of 13 before she can receive her inheritance. This range consists of both frivolous and serious experiences, including doing standup, getting a tattoo and camping under a full moon. But it also includes more personal and emotional tasks, like reconciling with her estranged father and finding true love.

As Alex embarks on this journey of self-discovery, a friend encourages her to use a particular set of questions to find out if her romantic partner really is the right match for her. These questions include:

Is he kind?

I can tell him everything about me?

Does he make me the best version of myself?

Can I see him raising my children?

The gravity of these questions forces Alex to assess her current romance, with some major life212 decisions in tow. Apparently, the audiences have had the same reaction.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Carson explained that upon watching the film, several viewers found themselves reflecting on their own lives and posing similar existential questions. Some even chose to leave relationships or jobs that were no longer serving them. Carson, though, takes this as a winning result, as it points to the film’s real message — that people should be trying to be happy and at peace with themselves.

Reactions online have been mostly emotional. Viewers took to streaming sites to express their views, calling it an eye-opener. “The Life List on Netflix just raised my standards,” one user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote. 100/10 movie, the movie is perfect and so eye-opening!! Sofia Carson is that girl ahhhhhh oh.” One confessed, “I cried seven times watching The Life List. This movie that made me think about my future or how I want to choose my future partner and especially the worst relationship with my mother. I love this movie so much going to obsess over it forever.”

Some others said that the film made them take personal growth more seriously. Another fan referred to “#TheLifeList” as “the best movie of Sofia’s career. Her acting is magical. The emotions, the very deep places, the places it touches us to — it makes us think about our life and a lot of times try to be our best selves. I want the person whose answer is yes to the four questions. I need to hug my mom tight.” Another wrote, “I just got done reading The Life List and it was so good. So you want to get some motivation in your life.”

Nor is it common for a romantic comedy to provoke quite the degree of soul-searching from its audience, but The Life List appears to resonate with a nerve. The idea of assessing a relationship by putting it to a list of basic questions is hardly original, but the manner in which the movie approaches it — a warm, funny and deeply emotional narrative — speaks to too many. It’s more than romance; it’s about self-actualization and self-worth.

The conversation grew louder as more people started seeing the film. Some viewers think it raises the bar for romantic comedies by making audiences question their own happiness. Some wonder how the unassuming plot can trigger such intense, visceral responses.

And the film’s success — and thought-provoking nature — could make it one of Netflix’s most discussed original films of the year. While rom-coms are generally designed to be comfort food, The Life List dares viewers to know more about their own lives. Whether that results in more breakups or not, one thing is clear: the film is having an impact in a way few people expected.

If you’re interested in the movie’s impact, reading some recent critic reviews might be a good idea before watching. Whether audiences walk away inspired, emotional, or even questioning their own relationships, The Life List is proving to be more than just another love story—it’s serving as a catalyst for change in real life.