‘Sweet and heartfelt’ Netflix drama wins over viewers with 94% Rotten Tomatoes score
Netflix’s latest coming-of-age dramedy, Don’t Say Good Luck, is quickly making an impression with viewers. The film has earned a 94% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with audiences highlighting its emotional story, warm performances and surprisingly moving take on family, theatre and growing up.
For anyone in the mood for something heartfelt as summer draws to a close, the film could be an easy choice.
A coming-of-age story with plenty of family drama
Don’t Say Good Luck stars Sunny Sandler, daughter of Adam Sandler, as Sophia Birenbaum, a high school student who takes on the demanding role of leading her school’s musical production.
Putting on the show, however, turns out to be only part of Sophia’s challenge. Netflix’s synopsis notes that she encounters “even more drama at home than on the stage,” bringing family pressures into an already complicated period of her life.
The film blends the excitement and anxiety of high school theatre with the emotional challenges of growing up, creating a story that has resonated strongly with audiences.
The cast also gives the movie plenty of star power. Alongside Sandler are Max Greenfield from New Girl, Stephanie Beatriz of Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and veteran performers Steve Buscemi and Jon Lovitz.
Melanie Lynskey also stars, taking on a very different role from Shauna, the character she plays in Yellowjackets.
Viewers praise its emotional side
The response on Rotten Tomatoes has been particularly positive, with viewers repeatedly describing the film as touching and emotionally affecting.
One reviewer called it a “sweet and heartfelt” coming-of-age story that was simply easy to enjoy.
Another audience member found the movie much more emotional than expected. They said watching it brought up thoughts about loss, life, the future and the inevitability of death, ultimately describing the experience as cathartic. Even after finishing the film, they said they could still find themselves tearing up when thinking about it.
That emotional response appears to be one of the film’s biggest strengths.
Sunny Sandler and Melanie Lynskey stand out
The relationship between Sophia and her mother, played by Melanie Lynskey, has received particular attention from viewers.
One reviewer described Sunny Sandler’s performance as “genuinely charming” and praised Lynskey as the emotional heart of the film. The chemistry between the pair was especially effective in quieter scenes, according to the viewer, while the musical performances added some welcome moments of energy and optimism.
The film has also been praised for capturing the distinctive experience of being a theatre student. One viewer highlighted its portrayal of the excitement, nerves, awkwardness and passion that can come with performing on stage.
For some younger audiences, the emotional impact has been even more pronounced.
A 14-year-old reviewer, who said they do not normally write film reviews, called Don’t Say Good Luck the best movie they had ever seen. They also admitted they were “straight-up bawling” while watching it.
Another viewer was similarly enthusiastic. They said they had not expected to encounter an Oscar-worthy movie, but felt the acting, story and production were all “top-notch.” In their view, the film even deserved consideration in categories including Best Musical, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, Best Actor and Best Direction.
A heartfelt Netflix pick
With its 94% Rotten Tomatoes approval rating and a steady stream of praise for its performances and emotional story, Don’t Say Good Luck appears to have found an audience looking for something warmer and more personal.
Its combination of family drama, high school theatre and coming-of-age themes gives the film plenty of emotional ground to explore, while Sunny Sandler and Melanie Lynskey have emerged as particular highlights for viewers.
Don’t Say Good Luck is now streaming on Netflix.