Ritesh Sharma
Helmed by Adam Brooks, ‘The Life List’ is a heartfelt romantic comedy-drama based on Lori Nelson Spielman’s eponymous novel. The film follows Alex Rose (Sofia Carson), a driven young woman whose carefully planned life is upended after her mother, Elizabeth (Connie Britton), passes away. To claim her inheritance, Alex must complete a list of childhood dreams she once wrote—ambitions she long left behind. As she embarks on this reluctant journey, she finds herself in charming, unexpected places that challenge her perceptions of success and happiness. Along the way, she reconnects with old friends, rediscovers forgotten passions, and uncovers family secrets hidden in the corners of her past. With picturesque settings that enhance its themes of nostalgia and self-discovery, ‘The Life List’ beautifully captures the magic of stepping outside one’s comfort zone.
The Life List Filming Locations
‘The Life List’ was filmed across multiple locations in New York, including New York City, Nyack, and Brooklyn. Some parts of it were also filmed in New Jersey. The production team utilized several well-known filming spots, making subtle modifications to certain locations to better align with the story. Many iconic landmarks were creatively repurposed to enhance the film’s setting. Principal photography began on March 7, 2024, and was reportedly completed within a few months in May 2024, ensuring a smooth and efficient shoot.
New York City, New York
New York City served as a key backdrop for ‘The Life List,’ capturing the vibrancy and complexity of Alex Rose’s journey. One notable location is Chinatown, where the film utilized the area’s traditional storefronts, colorful lanterns, and narrow streets to highlight moments of self-reflection and discovery. The filmmakers take advantage of Chinatown’s lively yet nostalgic atmosphere to depict pivotal moments in Alex’s pursuit of her childhood bucket list. Another prominent filming location is Cortlandt Alley, located between Canal Street and Franklin Street, Manhattan. Known for its cinematic appeal, this alley has been featured in numerous productions due to its gritty, old-New York aesthetic.
It provides a visually striking contrast to some of the film’s more picturesque settings, emphasizing the raw and unpredictable nature of Alex’s personal journey. Additional scenes were shot in the Lower East Side, particularly around East 9th Street and Loisaida Avenue, where the energetic and youthful spirit of the neighborhood enhanced the protagonist’s evolving outlook. The film also makes use of Washington Square Park, located at Washington Square, a space synonymous with artistic and intellectual life in the city. Its lively, free-spirited environment contributes to the film’s theme of embracing life’s unexpected twists. One more location used here is the Greenwich Village Comedy Club on MacDougal Street, where Alex likely performed her standup act.
Nyack, New York
The small town of Nyack, located in the town of Orangetown in Rockland County, was transformed to resemble Burlington, Vermont, for The Life List, adding a cozy, nostalgic element to the film’s aesthetic. One of the most prominent locations used was Wasabi Restaurant, located at 110 Main Street. On March 28, the restaurant was temporarily rebranded as “Purdy’s,” a fictional eatery “established in 1983.” This transformation played into the film’s narrative, representing Alex’s reconnection with her past while embarking on new experiences. Another significant Nyack filming location was The First Reformed Church of Nyack, located at 18 S Broadway; the filming took place on March 29, 2024.
The historic church added a layer of timelessness to the film, visually reinforcing the themes of reflection and personal growth. Nyack’s quaint streets and small-town charm serve as an emotional counterpoint to the bustling cityscapes featured in other parts of the movie. The use of Nyack as a filming location showcased the film’s focus on revisiting one’s roots, confronting old memories, and embracing change. The town’s scenic Hudson River views and inviting atmosphere offer the perfect backdrop for some of the film’s most introspective and heartfelt moments.
Brooklyn, New York
Brooklyn provided a variety of striking urban backdrops for The Life List, capturing both its industrial grit and artistic reinvention. One of the primary filming locations was Gowanus, a neighborhood known for its blend of repurposed warehouses, trendy creative spaces, and the historic Gowanus Canal. The film uses this setting to illustrate Alex’s evolving perspective, mirroring her emotional transformation with Gowanus’ own history of renewal and reinvention. Another notable filming location was River Deli Restaurant, located at 32 Joralemon Street.
This cozy eatery provided a warm and intimate setting for key scenes, emphasizing the importance of connection and meaningful conversations in Alex’s journey. Other Brooklyn locations included Columbia Place, Joralemon Street, Remsen Street, Montague Street, and Cadman Plaza West, each offering a distinct visual identity that contributes to the film’s layered storytelling. Whether it’s through the industrial charm of Gowanus, the tree-lined streets of Brooklyn Heights, or the vibrant energy of its local cafés, Brooklyn played a crucial role in grounding the film’s narrative. The borough’s diverse locations help illustrate the complexities of moving forward while still holding onto the past, a central theme in ‘The Life List.’
New Jersey
While much of ‘The Life List’ was filmed in New York, the production also utilized locations in New Jersey, particularly Jersey City. This vibrant and diverse city, known for its striking views of the Manhattan skyline, has become a popular filming hub due to its mix of urban and residential backdrops. With its proximity to NYC and diverse settings, New Jersey played an essential role in shaping the film’s visual storytelling. If additional details emerge about specific locations, they will further highlight the state’s contribution to the movie’s immersive world.
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