The List (2007)

The List Poster

Ever been dumped? In front of 20,000 people at a stadium, on live television!? LEWIS BOND, a dashing young executive, decides to get serious after this experience and creates a list (litmus test) that the right woman should match, to avoid another humiliation. However, when he thinks he has found her, she turns out to be not as perfect as he thought, leaving the risk averse Lewis to choose between what his head or heart tells him.

Overview
"The List" is a 2007 American thriller-drama movie based upon the book of the same name by Robert Whitlow. The film, directed by Gary Wheeler, features an ensemble cast consisting of brand-new pairs, Patrick Flueger, Malcolm McDowell, Chuck Carrington, and Will Patton.

Plot
The movie revolves around Renny Jacobson (played by Chuck Carrington), a young legal representative who returns to South Carolina after his dad's death to participate in the reading of the will. Dissatisfied to find that the huge part of the estate has actually been contributed to the regional church, Renny just inherits an odd bequest - a membership to a deceptive, exclusive organization referred to as "The Covenant List of South Carolina, Ltd".

Upon conference with this group, Renny gains from its leader, Desmond Larochette (Malcolm McDowell), that the List was developed throughout the American Civil War by their ancestors, who inked a pact with supernatural forces to safeguard their wealth and power. The members now maintain the antique pact through different routines and sacrifices.

Advancement of the Story
Renny ends up being intrigued by the intricate rituals of the group and the allure of wealth and power. He befriends Jo Johnston (played by Hilarie Burton), a female acquainted with unfortunate scenarios. Disapproving of the List's objectives and approaches, Jo encourages Renny to follow his faith instead of worldly treasures and power.

Renny begins observing some exceptional events; members who try to leave or break the guidelines of the List pass away under mystical circumstances, and he ends up being suspicious of Desmond's intents. Together with Jo, he slowly uncovers the dark reality behind the organization and the ominous force driving it.

Conclusion
Circumstances take a thrilling and dangerous turn as Renny and Jo aim to stop the deadly cycle that the List seems to perpetuate. They are confronted with checking their faith against exhilarating developments that posture risk to their lives. In the end, they handle to find a way to abolish the List's dark covenant with the supernatural by using their faith.

Themes
"The List" skillfully explores numerous styles such as the attraction of wealth, the essence of faith, the risks of unchecked aspiration, and the battle between good and evil forces. The story provides a captivating exploration of southern gothic styles mixed with spiritual and supernatural elements, all set versus the captivating background of the American south.

Reception
Upon release, the film garnered blended reviews. Critics applauded the movie's captivating narrative and efficiencies, specifically Malcolm McDowell as the manipulative, ominous Desmond. Some critics, nevertheless, noted that the film's plot advancement leaned too heavily on familiar thriller-clichés. Regardless of this, "The List" is still kept in mind for its interesting storyline and the moral dilemmas it presents to its characters.

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