Don't Say Good Luck Debuts to Near-Perfect Reviews on Netflix
Netflix's newest coming-of-age dramedy is off to an impressive start.
Don't Say Good Luck premiered on Netflix on August 14, 2026, and early reviews have been overwhelmingly positive. The film briefly appeared with a perfect 100% Tomatometer score as its first reviews arrived, giving the new Netflix release a strong opening with critics.
As additional reviews are counted, that percentage can change, but the early reception has already made Don't Say Good Luck one of the more interesting Netflix releases to watch this month.
What Is Don't Say Good Luck About?
Don't Say Good Luck follows Sophie Birenbaum, a high school student who lands the lead role in her school musical just as her life at home becomes much more complicated.
Sophie is forced to balance the excitement and pressures of high school theater with the devastating reality of her mother's cancer.
The movie blends comedy, teenage relationships, musical theater and family drama into a coming-of-age story that can quickly shift from funny to emotional.
Sunny Sandler Takes the Lead
Sunny Sandler stars as Sophie in her first solo leading movie role.
She is joined by an impressive cast that includes:
- Melanie Lynskey
- Max Greenfield
- Jack Champion
- Stephanie Beatriz
- Scarlett Estevez
- Bebe Neuwirth
- Steve Buscemi
- Jon Lovitz
The movie is directed by Julia Hart and written by Laura Hankin, Hart and Jordan Horowitz.
Adam Sandler and Jackie Sandler are among the film's producers, but this time the spotlight belongs to Sunny.
Why Are Critics Responding So Well?
Much of the early praise has focused on the movie's emotional performances and its ability to balance a teenage coming-of-age story with much heavier family circumstances.
Sunny Sandler's performance has attracted attention in particular, while Melanie Lynskey's portrayal of Sophie's mother provides much of the movie's emotional weight.
The mother-daughter relationship sits at the center of the story rather than treating the family's situation as simply a backdrop for another high school comedy.
Don't Say Good Luck arrived on Netflix with an impressive start, briefly earning a perfect 100% Tomatometer score as its first reviews came in.
The Story Has a Real-Life Connection
There's another interesting element behind the movie.
The story was inspired in part by screenwriter Laura Hankin's own teenage experiences. Hankin has discussed performing in a school production while dealing with her mother's illness, experiences that eventually helped inspire Sophie's story.
That personal connection may help explain why some of the movie's more emotional moments feel grounded despite the familiar high school setting.
A Strong Start on Rotten Tomatoes
The biggest headline following the movie's release has been its early critical reception.
Don't Say Good Luck briefly appeared with a 100% Tomatometer score as its first reviews were counted.
Rotten Tomatoes scores naturally fluctuate as additional critics publish reviews, so the exact percentage may change considerably over the days ahead. What's more notable is the overwhelmingly positive direction of the movie's initial reception.
For a brand-new Netflix release, that's an excellent way to start opening weekend.
Is Don't Say Good Luck Worth Watching?
If you enjoy emotional coming-of-age movies, teen dramas or stories centered around complicated family relationships, Don't Say Good Luck looks like an easy addition to your watchlist.
Just don't expect a traditional lighthearted teen comedy.
The movie deals directly with illness, grief and the uncertainty surrounding Sophie's family while still finding room for friendship, romance, theater and humor.
Where Can You Watch Don't Say Good Luck?
Don't Say Good Luck is streaming now on Netflix following its August 14, 2026 release.
With strong early reviews and growing attention surrounding Sunny Sandler's performance, it will be interesting to see whether the movie becomes one of Netflix's breakout films of August.
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