Romantic comedies—or rom-coms—are a staple of the movie genre world. They blend love and laughter, typically focusing on a central couple whose relationship progresses through a mix of amusing and heartfelt scenarios. But not every film that features romance and humor fits this genre.
In recent years, genre-blending films have become more common, prompting deeper conversations about movie classification. One film that raises such a question is The Life List. Though marketed with romantic undertones and comedic moments, its deeper narrative prompts viewers to ask: Is The Life List truly a rom-com?
This article aims to explore that question in depth. We’ll analyze the story, tone, characters, and thematic elements of The Life List to determine whether it genuinely qualifies as a romantic comedy or something more complex.
The Heart of the Story
Plot Overview
The Life List centers around Brett Bohlinger, a young woman whose seemingly perfect life is thrown off course by the sudden death of her mother. After the funeral, Brett learns that in order to receive her inheritance, she must complete a list of life goals she wrote as a teenager. These goals include career ambitions, personal development milestones, and, of course, romantic aspirations.
As Brett begins her journey, she reconnects with forgotten dreams and encounters new people, including potential love interests. The plot is driven by personal growth as much as romance, which sets it apart from formulaic rom-coms where love is the main focus.
Does the Romance Drive the Plot?
While romance is undoubtedly present in the film, it doesn’t serve as the main narrative force. The love story in The Life List unfolds slowly and naturally, making it more of a subplot than a primary theme. This raises a key point in evaluating its genre: a true rom-com typically revolves around the romantic relationship from start to finish.
Instead, Brett’s personal evolution takes center stage. The romance supports her growth but does not define it, making the film more of a hybrid between a drama and a romantic comedy.
Characters and Their Emotional Arcs
A Complex Protagonist
Brett Bohlinger is not your standard rom-com heroine. She’s layered, conflicted, and driven by grief and self-discovery. Her motivations stem from a deep emotional core, which adds gravitas to the story. The film explores her relationship with her mother, her own expectations, and the weight of past decisions.
This complexity adds depth to what could have been a lighthearted story. Rather than chase a single love interest, Brett seeks to become a person her younger self would be proud of. The romantic elements serve to enhance her character but don’t overshadow her journey.
Supporting Cast and Love Interests
The supporting characters, including Brett’s friends and potential partners, are thoughtfully developed. They offer insight into her transformation and encourage her to challenge her beliefs. However, these characters don’t steal the spotlight; they contribute to Brett’s evolution.
This approach reflects more of a character-driven drama than a traditional rom-com. The romantic candidates are not central plot devices but rather reflections of Brett’s emotional growth and readiness for love.
Thematic Depth vs. Genre Expectations
Romance With Purpose
In most romantic comedies, love arrives as a solution or a reward. In The Life List, romance is one of several items on Brett’s path to self-actualization. This reflects a more mature and nuanced portrayal of relationships, aligning more closely with a love story movie than a rom-com.
Yes, the film contains humor and heart. Yes, it ends with hope and possibly love. But the emphasis lies in personal clarity and self-respect rather than comedic courtship or romantic entanglements.
Emotional Tones: Laughs and Lessons
Romantic comedies thrive on witty banter, awkward encounters, and humorous misunderstandings. While The Life List includes moments of levity, it often leans into poignant, emotional storytelling. Themes like grief, unfulfilled dreams, and second chances take precedence over laugh-out-loud moments.
This emotional depth is part of what makes the film compelling, but it also nudges it outside the typical rom-com framework. It’s more likely to make viewers introspective than giddy, an indicator of its genre-blending nature.
Style, Setting, and Cinematic Language
Visual and Narrative Style
The cinematography in The Life List supports its emotional tone. Warm lighting, meaningful flashbacks, and introspective framing contribute to a reflective rather than playful mood. The pacing is deliberate, focusing on Brett’s internal conflict more than external romantic drama.
These choices distinguish it from traditional rom-coms, which often favor vibrant visuals and quick-cut editing to enhance comedic timing.
Symbolism and Storytelling Devices
The film uses the “life list” as both a literal and symbolic tool. Each completed task represents a deeper realization about self-worth and purpose. Unlike most rom-coms, where the characters’ primary goal is to find love, Brett’s mission is to rediscover herself.
Such narrative structure aligns more closely with films categorized under drama or coming-of-age stories, albeit with romantic overtones.
Audience Expectations and Genre Mislabeling
Marketing vs. Reality
Marketing materials and trailers for The Life List often emphasize its romantic plotline, likely to attract fans of the romance movie plots. However, audiences expecting a typical rom-com may find themselves surprised by the depth and introspective nature of the story.
This mismatch can lead to confusion and mixed reviews, not due to the film’s quality, but because it challenges preconceived notions of what a rom-com should be.
Genre Fluidity in Modern Cinema
The film industry has increasingly embraced genre fluidity, allowing stories to break traditional molds. The Life List is a prime example of this trend. It straddles the line between romantic comedy, drama, and personal journey.
Such hybrid narratives reflect the complexity of real life, where love is just one part of a larger story. While this may challenge strict genre classification, it enriches the viewing experience.
Conclusion
So, is The Life List a rom-com? The answer is both yes and no. It contains romance and comedic elements, but its soul lies in emotional growth and self-discovery. These themes make it a richer, more layered story than the typical romantic comedy.
Viewers looking for a feel-good film with a deeper message will find plenty to love. Those expecting a traditional rom-com format, however, may need to adjust their expectations.
