The List Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A lawyer inherits a mysterious secret society, only to discover it’s less about shadowy power plays and more about the ultimate power of, well, prayer.

🍿 The List: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Mysterious Inheritance Unveiled

Fresh out of law school, Renny Jacobson is reeling from the sudden death of his father. To his surprise, his father’s will leaves most of his estate to charity, with Renny receiving only the contents of a deposit box and a mysterious interest in a company known as ‘The Covenant List of South Carolina, Ltd.’ This unexpected bequest pulls Renny into a world he never knew existed. As Renny begins to investigate, he encounters the enigmatic members of ‘The List,’ a secretive and powerful organization with deep roots in the South. He quickly discovers the immense wealth and influence tied to this 140-year-old covenant, and finds himself increasingly entangled in its affairs, all while trying to understand his father’s connection to it. He also meets the captivating Jo Johnston, who appears to have her own complex history with the organization.

The Dark Influence of The List

Drawn by the staggering value of his new inheritance and the allure of the powerful society, Renny initially embraces his newfound connection to ‘The List.’ However, Jo Johnston, to whom he is deeply attracted, expresses reservations and is reluctant for him to claim his rightful share, hinting at a darker truth. Renny soon begins to feel the mysterious and almost supernatural power of the covenant that binds the members of ‘The List.’ As sinister secrets and deceit within the organization come to light, his life and Jo’s begin to unravel, forcing him to confront the true, malevolent nature of this ancient society.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Renny Jacobsen (Chuck Carrington): A young lawyer who inherits an interest in a mysterious secret society, leading him to uncover its sinister supernatural secrets.
• Desmond Larochette (Malcolm McDowell): The powerful and deceptive leader of “The List,” a secret society rooted in historical deceit and malevolent influence.
• Jo Johnston (Hilarie Burton Morgan): A woman deeply connected to “The List” who becomes Renny’s love interest and an ally in his fight against its dark power.
• Gus Eicholtz (Pat Hingle): A kind and elderly member of the community who provides moments of compassion and subtle guidance to Renny.
• Mama A (Elizabeth Omilami): A wise and prayerful matriarch who serves as a spiritual anchor and source of strength for Renny.
• Michael Harriston (Will Patton): A steadfast individual who represents the opposing righteous forces challenging the malevolent influence of “The List.”

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Desmond Larochette: “The List isn’t just about money, Renny. It’s about true power.” – Desmond Larochette attempts to entice Renny Jacobsen into fully embracing the secret society and its ancient, sinister influence.
• Mama A: “Both God’s friends and enemies underestimate the power of prayer.” – Mama A delivers a pivotal spiritual message to Renny, highlighting the profound strength of faith against the forces of evil he confronts.
• Renny Jacobsen: “I felt its pull, the promise of everything… but I never saw the chains.” – Renny reflects on his initial attraction to the wealth and influence offered by ‘The List’ before realizing the oppressive and malevolent control it exerted.
• Jo Johnston: “Some legacies are curses, Renny, no matter how much gold they promise.” – Jo warns Renny about the dark and dangerous nature of the inheritance he is pursuing, urging him to see beyond its superficial allure.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: $138,814
• Worldwide Gross: $138,814

💥 The List Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I went into ‘The List’ expecting a dark, twisty Southern mystery, and for the first chunk, that’s exactly what I got! I was totally hooked on Renny figuring out this ancient secret society. Malcolm McDowell is just fantastic – he brings such a creepy gravitas to his character, making you really feel the sinister vibe. Honestly, I was leaning forward, trying to piece together the clues with Renny. But then, it took a turn I wasn’t expecting. The shift in focus felt a bit jarring, like it changed genres mid-movie. While I appreciate a film with a message, I really just wanted to see that mystery play out. It left me wishing it had stuck to its thrilling roots, because that initial setup was genuinely compelling.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of legal thrillers with a spiritual or supernatural twist.”
  • “Audiences interested in Christian-themed movies that emphasize faith and prayer.”
  • “Viewers who enjoy stories set in the American South with historical undertones.”
  • “Those looking for a PG-rated film suitable for family viewing with a clear moral message.”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Rated PG for thematic elements including some peril and brief incidental smoking.”
  • “Contains strong religious themes and overt Christian messaging, which may not appeal to all viewers.”

Professional Reviews

• FilmFanatic Monthly: “The List opens with a genuinely intriguing premise: a lawyer, a mysterious inheritance, and a secret society steeped in Southern history. For its first hour, it holds promise as a slow-burn thriller. However, the narrative soon takes an abrupt turn, abandoning its mystery for a surprisingly overt religious message. While the cinematography showcases beautiful Southern locales, and Malcolm McDowell delivers a chilling performance, the sudden shift in tone and the underdeveloped plot ultimately derail what could have been a compelling secular story. It struggles to balance its two very different identities, leaving a muddled experience.
• Cinema Crossroads: “Visually, ‘The List’ presents a polished picture, capturing the atmospheric beauty of its Southern setting. The veteran cast, particularly Malcolm McDowell, offers moments of seasoned gravitas. Yet, beneath the professional veneer, the film struggles with its identity. What begins as a supernatural mystery quickly evolves into a didactic religious drama. While sincere in its message, this thematic pivot alienates viewers expecting a conventional thriller, turning the narrative into a thinly veiled sermon rather than a cohesive story. Its ambition outstrips its execution, making it a challenging watch for a broad audience.

Audience Reactions

The unexpected faith message was either a profound revelation or a frustrating bait-and-switch for viewers.: Many viewers praised the strong production values and the atmospheric Southern setting, which added to the film’s initial appeal.

Malcolm McDowell’s chilling performance as Desmond Larochette was a consistent highlight for many, regardless of their overall opinion.: Audiences frequently commented on the film’s divisive nature, with strong opinions on both sides regarding its blend of thriller and religious themes.

Overall Consensus: While praised for its production quality and some strong performances, ‘The List’ is a highly divisive film, often disappointing those seeking a pure thriller due to its pronounced shift into a faith-based narrative.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Many scenes were filmed on location in Charleston, South Carolina, with notable landmarks like East Bay Street and Battery Park visible, despite Wilmington, North Carolina, also being a primary filming location.”
• “The film is an adaptation of a popular novel by Christian author Robert Whitlow, which heavily influenced its overt faith-based themes, a fact that surprised and polarized many viewers expecting a standard thriller.”
• “Malcolm McDowell’s casting in a film with such explicit religious messaging was considered a notable choice, as he is widely known for his roles in more controversial or darker films throughout his career.”
• “A notable production goof involves a coin found in a deposit box; the movie presents it as an 1864 Seated Liberty Dollar, but the prop used was actually a Peace Dollar, which was minted much later (1921-1935).”

🖥️ How to Watch The List?

While ‘The List’ (2007) is not currently available on major streaming subscriptions, you can typically find it available for rent or purchase on digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video. We recommend checking Amazon for current pricing and availability, which may include options to buy the DVD or stream on demand.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The List, you might like these similar films:

• The Trial (2010): Directly based on another novel by Robert Whitlow and directed by Gary Wheeler, featuring many of the same cast members and similar themes of legal drama intertwined with faith.
• The Firm (1993): Features a young, ambitious lawyer who uncovers dark secrets and corruption within a powerful, seemingly legitimate organization, leading to a dangerous moral dilemma.
• The Da Vinci Code (2006): Explores ancient secret societies, historical conspiracies, and religious mysteries, although with a more mainstream thriller approach than ‘The List’.
• Left Behind: The Movie (2000): Appeals to a similar audience interested in overt Christian themes and a narrative centered around spiritual conflict, often characterized as a faith-based thriller.
• Devil’s Advocate (1997): Focuses on a talented lawyer tempted by immense power and wealth offered by a charismatic, sinister figure, ultimately revealing a supernatural battle for his soul.

🛒 The List Related Products

• The List by Robert Whitlow (Paperback / Kindle Edition): Dive deeper into the original legal thriller novel that inspired the film. Explore the intricate plot and richer character development as Renny Jacobson uncovers sinister secrets and battles an ancient evil, offering a more expansive story than the movie.
• The List Movie Poster (Limited Edition Print): A high-quality, limited edition print of the official movie poster, featuring the atmospheric Southern Gothic visuals and key cast members. This collector’s item is perfect for display in a home theater, office, or living space.
• Sherlock Holmes: The Devil’s Daughter (PC/Console Game): Immerse yourself in a thrilling mystery adventure game where you uncover dark secrets and supernatural elements through deduction and exploration. While not directly tied to the movie, it captures the ‘secret society’ and ‘unraveling mystery’ vibe, offering an engaging, interactive narrative.
• Charleston, SC Historic Landmarks Jigsaw Puzzle (1000 Pieces): A beautiful 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle featuring iconic historic landmarks of Charleston, South Carolina, a primary filming location for ‘The List.’ Perfect for a relaxing activity that evokes the film’s atmospheric Southern setting and rich history.

🎧 Soundtrack

The List features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Don’t Close Your Eyes” – performed by Airspace

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

A true miracle 😢 | Schindler’s List | #movie

Ever wondered what moment truly captures the essence of ‘Schindler’s List’? This powerful 1-minute clip perfectly encapsulates a pivotal and incredibly moving scene, reminding us why this film remains such a monumental work of cinema. It’s a truly unforgettable glimpse into a story of hope amidst despair.

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