The Life List is one of those films that sneaks up on you. I wasn’t sure what to expect at first, but the trailer had me hooked—the moment the will was being read, I knew something deeper was unfolding. The story follows Rae Colton, a young woman who’s thrown into a whirlwind when her late mother leaves behind a will with one condition: she must complete a list she wrote as a child—a life list—if she wants to receive her inheritance. That list takes her on a journey of rediscovery, healing, and unexpected truths.

What stood out the most to me was the writing. The dialogue is natural, the pacing unforced. There’s a quiet strength in how the film unfolds. It doesn’t try to shock you with plot twists or big moments. Instead, it invites you into Rae’s personal transformation—sometimes painfully slow, sometimes uncomfortably real—but always honest. You need patience to sit with it, but when you do, the reward is an emotional journey that stays with you.

Tati Gabrielle gives a beautiful, grounded performance as Rae. She begins guarded, caught in a routine that feels safe but unfulfilling. Over time, we watch her carefully peel back layers—revisiting old dreams, forging new relationships, and facing memories she thought she had buried. There’s a key moment in the film where she steps outside her comfort zone on what was supposed to be a straightforward trip, only to discover more about herself than she bargained for. It’s subtle and poignant, capturing the kind of growth that happens when we’re brave enough to confront our own story.

This was director Lila Santos’s feature debut, and she knocked it out of the park. Shot on location in Portland and Seattle, the film has a misty, dreamlike quality—cinematographer Evan Pike’s lens captures both the melancholy and the hope embedded in every scene.

Director Lila Santos, in her feature debut, crafts the film with care. Her direction is intimate and patient, allowing characters to breathe and scenes to linger in a way that feels intentional. The cinematography by Evan Pike is soft and moody—think overcast skies, natural light through bedroom windows, coffee shops, handwritten notes. It all adds to the indie charm of the film. The score, mostly acoustic guitar and piano, never overwhelms; it gently guides us through Rae’s emotional landscape without telling us how to feel.

Santos said in a Sundance Q&A:

“I wanted the audience to feel like they were walking alongside Rae. Not watching her from a distance—but sitting in the car with her, laughing with her at the club, crying with her in that hallway after the letter scene.”
Mission accomplished.

The Life List is based on the novel by Lori Nelson Spielman, and screenwriter Jordan Elise does a beautiful job translating the essence of the book to screen. The film modernizes a few aspects but stays true to its core message: that the dreams we held as children still have meaning, even when life has tried to bury them.

Though it features a relatively unknown cast, the performances are heartfelt and deeply human. If you’re expecting a fast-paced plot or a high-stakes drama, this isn’t it. But if you’re looking for a film that reflects real life—messy, emotional, unpredictable—and honors the quiet power of rediscovery, The Life List is absolutely worth the watch.

Final Thoughts:

The Life List is that rare indie that sticks with you—not because of what it shows, but because of what it stirs. It’s a story of healing, of confronting your past without apology. It’s a love letter to growth, with all the ugliness and beauty that comes with it.

No car explosions. No superheroes. Just great dialogue, honest acting, and a lot of heart.

4.5 out of 5 stars.
Unknown cast? Maybe. But after this, not for long.