Don't Say Good Luck

Sophie Birenbaum, a high school student with a passion for theater, lands the lead role in her school's production of the musical Waitress. It should be the happiest moment of her life, but a sudden upheaval at home threatens to derail her dreams. Directed by Julia Hart, this coming-of-age dramedy follows Sophie as she tries to hold her life together while the spotlight shines on her.

Sunny Sandler, daughter of Adam Sandler, takes on her first major leading role as Sophie, supported by a cast that includes Melanie Lynskey, Max Greenfield, Stephanie Beatriz, Bebe Neuwirth, Steve Buscemi, and Jack Champion. The film is produced by Happy Madison Productions, Original Headquarters, and Range Studios, and is set for release on Netflix on August 14, 2026.

The story weaves the themes of the Waitress musical, finding escape and agency through creative expression, into Sophie's own struggles, creating a narrative where the drama on stage mirrors the drama at home. With a PG-13 rating, the film promises a blend of humor and emotional depth, offering a fresh take on the high school musical genre. [edit]

Sophie Birenbaum is a teenage theater enthusiast who has spent years dreaming of the spotlight. When she finally lands the lead role in her high school's production of Sara Bareilles' musical Waitress, it feels like a dream come true. But just as rehearsals begin, her home life starts to unravel, throwing her into a whirlwind of emotional turmoil.

The film follows Sophie as she tries to balance the demands of rehearsals, school, and her family, which is suddenly dealing with issues that threaten to tear it apart. Her parents, portrayed by Melanie Lynskey and Max Greenfield, become central to the conflict, and Sophie finds herself caught between her responsibilities at home and her commitment to the show.

As Sophie navigates this difficult period, she finds solace in the music and story of Waitress. The musical, about a woman who finds freedom through baking pies, resonates with Sophie's own desire to escape her troubles. With the support of her friends and fellow cast members, including characters played by Stephanie Beatriz and Jack Champion, Sophie begins to see that the stage might offer more than just applause, it might offer a way to cope.

The film explores themes of family, ambition, and the power of art to heal. Sophie's journey is both heartwarming and challenging, as she learns that sometimes the hardest performances happen offstage. With a supporting cast that includes Bebe Neuwirth and Steve Buscemi, the story paints a vivid picture of a community rallying around a young performer in crisis.

Directed by Julia Hart and written by Jordan Horowitz, Julia Hart, and Laura Hankin, Don't Say Good Luck is a coming-of-age tale that celebrates the resilience of youth. It asks whether Sophie can keep her life from falling apart while she's trying to shine on stage, and whether the support of those around her will be enough to see her through.[edit]