It’s always hard when we lose someone we love. The closer the relationship, the more difficult it can be to move on, especially when it feels like there is more to be said. That’s the set up for the new Netflix film The Life List.

In the film, Alex (Sofia Carson) is a little lost. She’s given up her dream of being a teacher to work for her mother’s company. It’s a job and she’s good at it but is it her purpose. Alex is very close to her mother, Elizabeth (Connie Britton), who wants the best for her. When Elizabeth dies, she sets in motion a series of events to lead Alex to her best self.

As part of the will, Elizabeth leaves the company to her daughter-in-law, not Alex. She also leaves instructions to fire Alex, pushing her instead to attempt to complete a list she made when she was 13 years old. The list lays out a plan of life Alex was meant to follow, but somewhere along the way she veered off course.

The hope is that this is the kick Alex needs to move forward. There to help her along the way is a young lawyer, Brad (Kyle Allen), and Elizabeth herself. Every time Alex completes something on the list, she gets a new message of support and encouragement from Elizabeth. And if she completes the list in the year, she’ll finally receiver her inheritance—and possibly much more.

We’ve seen these kind of stories before. I really enjoyed a film called The Ultimate Gift, that had a similar kind of set up and a similar kind of payoff. What makes stories like this work is the performers and the way they draw you into the characters.

I’ve seen Carson in a number of smaller films of this type and I’ve enjoyed her performances. That’s the case here, as she creates someone delightful in Alex. It’s a character you want to root for and in whom you’re invested as this story plays out. I also enjoyed the video messages from Britton and the emotions it all evoked.

It’s not hard to see where this one is going, especially the potential romantic relationships. This isn’t the kind of film where you have to figure out the plot, it’s about the execution. And the execution from Adam Brooks, who has given us films like Practical Magic and Definitely, Maybe is good. It’s a well-executed and keeps you hooked to Alex’s journey throughout this year of her life.

Netflix gives us a lot of films. This month alone we got a giant, big-budget extravaganza. They don’t always hit, but this smaller slice-of-life was a lot of fun. It’s one of the better films I’ve seen so far this year.

The Life List is now streaming on Netflix.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.