‘Sweet and heartfelt’ Netflix drama earns 94% on Rotten Tomatoes

Don’t Say Good Luck is winning viewers over with its emotional story and charming performances

If you’re looking for an emotional film to settle down with as summer draws to a close, Netflix may have the answer. Don’t Say Good Luck, a new coming-of-age dramedy, has earned a remarkable 94% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with viewers praising it as a “sweet and heartfelt” watch.

The film features an impressive cast, led by Sunny Sandler, the daughter of Adam Sandler. Max Greenfield of New Girl, Brooklyn Nine-Nine’s Stephanie Beatriz, and veteran actors Steve Buscemi and Jon Lovitz also appear.

Melanie Lynskey rounds out the main cast, stepping away from her role as Shauna in Yellowjackets to play a very different character.

A story about family, theatre and growing up

Don’t Say Good Luck follows Sophia Birenbaum, played by Sunny Sandler, as she takes on the challenge of leading her high school’s musical production.

But the pressures of putting on a show soon become the least of her worries. According to Netflix’s synopsis, Sophia finds herself facing “even more drama at home than on the stage.”

That combination of school, family and coming-of-age emotions has clearly struck a chord with viewers.

One Rotten Tomatoes reviewer described the film as easy to enjoy, praising its “sweet and heartfelt” story and its coming-of-age atmosphere.

Another viewer said the film was unexpectedly emotional, explaining that it brought up thoughts about personal loss, life, the future and the inevitability of death. They described the experience as emotionally cathartic and admitted they could still tear up when thinking about it.

Sunny Sandler and Melanie Lynskey praised

Several viewers have singled out the relationship between Sophia and her mother, played by Melanie Lynskey, as one of the film’s strongest elements.

One reviewer praised Sunny Sandler’s “genuinely charming” performance, while describing Lynskey as the emotional heart of the movie. They highlighted the chemistry between the two actors, particularly in the quieter scenes, and said the musical performances provide plenty of uplifting moments.

The film also appears to capture the highs and lows of performing on stage. One viewer praised its portrayal of the excitement, nerves, awkwardness and passion that come with being a theatre student.

The emotional impact has been particularly strong for some younger viewers. One 14-year-old reviewer, who said they do not usually write film reviews, called it the best movie they had ever seen and admitted they were “straight-up bawling” while watching it.

Another viewer was equally enthusiastic, saying they had not expected to see an Oscar-worthy film but believed the acting, story and production were all “top-notch.” They even suggested the movie deserved consideration across categories including Best Musical, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, Best Actor and Best Direction.

With a 94% Rotten Tomatoes approval rating and viewers repeatedly praising its emotional story and performances, Don’t Say Good Luck is shaping up to be an appealing choice for anyone after a heartfelt mid-week film.

Don’t Say Good Luck is now streaming on Netflix.