Despite its success,The Life Listhas had mixed reviewsdue to how it can at times be shallow.
Nonetheless,The Life Listmaintains the emotions and romance that are featured in the novel.
Theres no part in the book where Alexs mom is alive.
Shes only present in her life through the memories that her daughter has of her.
The movie, however, changes that part of the story.
In the Netflix version ofThe Life List, Elizabeth is alive in the opening scenes of the movie.
Custom image by Yailin Chacon.
In the novel, her name is Brett Bohlinger.
Although the names arent the same,the Netflix filmdidnt deviate too far from the source material.
So, it doesnt come as a surprise that the same thing is true forThe Life List.
Via Nicole Rivelli/Netflix
Alexs boyfriend in the novel is the complete opposite.
This would have been a shame because Britton is one of the highlights ofThe Life List.
While some things on the list were kept in the movie, other tasks were added or left out.
In fact, the movie leaves out some important goals that were in the movie.
She did end up getting a dog and finding a safe place for Lulu the horse.
Her biological dad doesnt play a huge role in her in the movie.
Via Nicole Rivelli/Netflix
The film doesnt include her half-sister, Zoe, whom Alex grew close to after she found her father.
When Elizabeth died, Alex began teaching underprivileged children, which is how she met Dr. Garrett Taylor.
Alex and Taylor didnt meet until the end of Spielmans book.
They got to know each other through phone calls.
They begin dating shortly after, but their relationship doesnt last.
At the conclusion ofThe Life List, Alex ends up with Brad after completing every item on her list.
Via Nicole Rivelli/Netflix
But thats not how things play out in the book.
Alex and Brad didnt have a romantic relationship even though they briefly had feelings for each other.
The two, however, remained good friends.
Via Netflix
Similar to the movie, Alex achieved all her goals.
Released in 2025, the film chronicles her transformative quest initiated by her mothers request.
Via Netflix
Via Nicole Rivelli/Netflix
Via Nicole Rivelli/Netflix
