The List (2023) – Review/ Summary (with Spoilers)
“The List” is a simple, cute, though sometimes uninspiring romantic comedy.
[Unless Said Otherwise] Spoiler Alert: This summary and review contains spoilers.
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General Information
| Director(s) | Melissa Miller Costanzo |
| Screenplay By | Rob Lederer, Steve Vitolo |
| Based On | N/A |
| Date Released (Video On Demand) | August 22, 2023 |
| Genre(s) | Comedy, Romance, Young Adult |
| Film Length | 1 Hour 36 Minutes |
| Content Rating | Rated R |
| Noted Characters and Cast | |
| Abby | Halston Sage |
| Matt | Jonah Platt |
| Chloe | Chrissie Fit |
| Jake | Christian Navarro |
| Kenzie | Clark Backo |
| Sam | Shelley Hennig |
What Is “The List” Rated And Why?
“The List” is Rated R and contains:
- Dialog: Cursing
- Violence: N/A
- Sexual Content: Beyond Abby comically wiping a man’s pants in their genital area – nothing
- Miscellaneous: Drinking
Film Summary
This content contains pertinent spoilers. Also, images and text in this post may contain affiliate links. If a purchase is made from those sites, we may earn money or products from the company.
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Abby and Matt have been together for five years and were expected to get married. That is until Matt has sex with a celebrity, Kenzie Scott, someone on his list of people who he thinks he should get a pass for. This blows everything up since this is found out at Abby’s bridal shower, and with that, Abby spirals.
Luckily, her best friend since elementary school, Chloe, lives in Los Angeles, far away from Matt, and gives Abby some time and space to deal with things. Which for Abby, the best way to deal with things is by having sex with a celebrity from her list – sans Jack Black, who Chloe vetoes. However, in that process, she and Chloe meet people like Jake, get reacquainted with Sam, and potentially find people more their stride.
Character Descriptions
Please Note: This character guide is not an exhaustive list of every cast member, and character descriptions may contain what can be considered spoilers.
Abby
Abby is the speechwriter for the mayor of New York, who, with him working his way towards a run for the presidency, means her going from local and regional politics to national, which she is quite excited about.
- The actor is also known for their role in “You Get Me,” their role in “The Last Summer,” and their role in “Before I Fall.”
Matt
Matt is Abby’s fiancée.
Chloe
Chloe is Abby’s best friend since elementary school, who is bi-sexual.
- The actor is also known for their role in “Pitch Perfect 2” and their role in “Pitch Perfect 3.”
Jake
Jake is a hustler whose end goal is to have a company that sells bottles that have air from various places in the world – a novelty gift.
- The actor is also known for their role in “13 Reasons Why: Season 3,” their role in “13 Reasons Why: Season 2,” and their role in “Thirteen Reasons Why: Season 1.”
Kenzie
Kenzie is a famous actress.
- The actor is also known for their role in “I Want You Back” and their role in “Station Eleven.”
Sam
Sam is a talent agent and Chloe’s ex, who becomes integral for Abby to meet celebrities and do a tit-for-tat with Matt.
- The actor is also known for their role in “The After Party.“
Review
Our Rating: Mixed (Divisive)
Highlights
Jake and Abby
With Jake, you can see and understand the attraction. He is a hustler, charming, and presents the potential of an adult relationship. He doesn’t need to be all up in your face, taking up all your time, and even though Abby is going through it, he isn’t trying to fix her. He is just trying to share his world, build a connection, and it is sweet without trying to be a pedestal-worthy romance.
All of which you can see Abby wants, maybe even deserves. Mind you, Matt being a terrible partner doesn’t make her journey to do what he did excusable. However, because you learn that Abby is a go-getter in terms of her speech writing and is a character with some development, you can get invested. You care about her career and her love life, and with that, someone like Jake being both independent enough to stand on his own yet willing to be vulnerable with her, allows you to see this as a romance to get behind.
On The Fence
Chloe and Sam
While we love the bi-sexual representation, I must admit the thing that held it back was not getting to know Chloe or Sam beyond what they could do for Abby. Chloe, for example, is with Abby for three weeks in the movie, and you don’t learn what she does for a living. Also, you don’t hear or learn about any other friends or family she has. You only learn that she has time on her hands, is bi, speaks Spanish, and wants Sam back.
On the other hand, Sam is a talent agent; we learn that. However, what led to the original breakup? That’s hard to say. And as cute as they are together, it’s a watered-down version of Jake and Abby, just without the complication of a third person who can jump in.
Generally, Not Feeling Like Characters Are Developed Enough
Like many romantic comedies, the chemistry and charisma of the actors sometimes are pushed to compensate for everything else. As noted, we don’t learn much about Sam or Chloe, but they aren’t the only ones. Yes, we know Abby writes speeches for the mayor of New York, but of all things someone 27 could want to do with their life, why that?
Then when it comes to Matt, what was the attraction there? Was he someone who helped Abby deal with stress while in law school? Did she not grow up with a sense of family, so how nice he was and how welcoming his three brothers were sealed the deal? While there is an idea of where their first kiss was and their favorite bar, you don’t move beyond the superficial. Which is a widespread issue that keeps the film pleasant, but also forgettable.
Weak Comedy
Is “The List” a romantic comedy? Yes. However, the comedy is weak and unremarkable. Whether it is Abby’s first attempt at flirting with a celebrity, Chloe being pushed to be that comical non-White best friend from a sitcom you grew up with, or even Matt’s stumbles as he falls from grace or tries to get back with Abby. As of writing this, I’m only a few hours separated from the movie, and I can’t remember a single joke told or any moments that were genuinely funny.
Now, this isn’t to say the comedy is terrible, as what is funny is subjective, but the comedy surely isn’t a hook.
Recommendations
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FAQs
Answers to some questions you may have regarding this movie:
The Reason The Movie Is Named “The List”
For it is about what celebrity qualifies for your list of people you could sleep with, if you had the chance, without repercussions.
Does “The List” Setup A Sequel or Prequel?
No
Does “The List” Have A Mid-Credit or End Credit Scene?
No
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