The List (2023)

The List takes a deliciously messy modern-romance premise—celebrity “free passes” gone disastrously real—and spins it into a bright, LA-soaked comedy that’s more relatable than it has any right to be. Halston Sage makes Abby’s mix of humiliation, bravado, and hope feel human, so the laughs land without turning her into a cartoon, and the movie keeps finding small, sincere moments amid the cocktails, chaos, and wish-fulfillment encounters. The vibe is playful and a little raunchy, with a rom-com heartbeat underneath that nudges you to think about what we’re really chasing when we chase validation. If you’re allergic to sex jokes or the premise feels too “modern dating,” it may not be your flavor—but if you want a funny, breezy watch with a surprisingly warm center, this one earns its charm.

The List is aiming for a cheeky, modern rom-com about fantasy, revenge, and what “permission” in relationships really means, with Los Angeles wish-fulfillment baked into the premise. The problem is it often plays like a sitcom setup stretched to feature length: the celebrity chase feels more gimmicky than meaningful, and the emotional fallout of the betrayal doesn’t always land with the weight it needs. If you’re sensitive to plots built around casual cheating, lots of sex jokes, frequent drinking, and a generally glossy, unserious tone, this one may just irritate you rather than entertain you. On the plus side, the cast is likable and there are a few genuinely charming moments when it slows down and lets the characters talk like real people, but don’t go in expecting sharp writing or a particularly deep romance.