List of a Lifetime

Set in the contemporary era, the story follows Brenda as she confronts triple-negative breast cancer and navigates whether to tell her daughter about the gene mutation. It weaves medical realities with family drama, including testing, diagnoses, and the emotional timelines of secrecy and reconciliation. The narrative tracks Brenda’s evolving choices as she balances hope, fear, and responsibility.

The film unfolds across Brenda's everyday spaces—her home where cancer secrecy strains relationships, a local hospital where treatment decisions are discussed, and the lake that becomes a turning point for Brenda's courage. It juxtaposes intimate domestic moments with medical settings, highlighting how private fears collide with medical realities. The lake sequence marks a shift from withdrawal to choosing life for the sake of her daughter.

❤️ Family

The central thread is the mother–daughter bond between Brenda and Talia, exploring birth and adoptive family ties. The film shows how love persists across secrets and time, driving characters to seek connection. Reconciliation emerges through honesty, shared history, and choosing to protect one another.

🩺 Illness

Cancer acts as both obstacle and catalyst, forcing Brenda to face mortality while navigating treatment decisions and emotional turmoil. The story touches on PTSD from past losses, the fear surrounding chemotherapy, and the resilience required to continue living. Illness reshapes relationships and priorities, revealing what matters most.

🗝️ Secrets

Adoption, hidden diagnoses, and unspoken fears drive the plot, creating tension between truth-telling and protection. The pursuit of origins tests trust within family and friendship networks. The eventual revelation reframes what characters owe to each other and what they are willing to fight for.