If you were looking for a story that swings from laughter to emotion in just a few minutes, mark this title on your calendar: Don’t Say Good Luck. The new Netflix film stars Sunny Sandler —the 17-year-old daughter of Adam Sandler— and proves that the young actress already has the chops to handle a role with substantial dramatic and musical weight.
Far from being a typical teen comedy, the movie plunges into the story of Sophie (Sunny Sandler), a girl passionate about theater who lands the lead role in her school musical. But just when it seems she’s living her best moment, she receives a crushing blow: her mother’s cancer has returned (played by the remarkable Melanie Lynskey).
From there, the narrative follows the protagonist as she navigates the constant clash between the bright lights of the stage, the butterflies in her stomach about the boy she likes, and the harsh reality she must face at home.
The real story behind the screenplay
A detail that adds a lot of sensitivity to the film is that it draws from the real life of its screenwriter, Laura Hankin. When she was a teenager studying in Washington, D.C., Laura was cast in the lead role of her high school play on the very day she learned that her mother’s relapse had occurred.
That dilemma between feeling guilty about enjoying rehearsals or wanting to pause everything to stay by her mom’s side lies at the heart of this story, which manages to touch deeply intimate chords without slipping into cheap melodrama.
The highlights to watch this weekend
- A truly authentic performance by Sunny Sandler: After her turn in You’re Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah!, she here reveals a much deeper side, blending the family’s natural humor with moments of vulnerability.
- A strong supporting cast that adds plenty: Melanie Lynskey delivers a moving portrayal as the mom, while Max Greenfield (New Girl) and the veteran Steve Buscemi bring warmth and a breath of fresh air to the family unit.
- Music and empathy: The soundtrack complements the rollercoaster of adolescence and leaves a beautiful message about how art and theater can become a refuge in the toughest moments.
¿Te dan ganas de verla? Es ideal para preparar unos mates, agarrar los pañuelitos y maratonearla tranquilamente el fin de semana.
