The Netflix film “Don’t Say Good Luck,” starring Sunny Sandler, leaves audiences with an emotional, albeit not entirely happy, ending that centers on the character Sophie’s journey through her school musical and her mother’s declining health. The movie, directed by Julia Hart and co-written by Hart, Jordan Horowitz, and Laura Hankin, draws inspiration from Hankin’s own high school experience.
In the film, Sophie (Sunny Sandler) lands the lead role in her school’s production of “Waitress” while her mother, Elizabeth (Melanie Lynskey), battles terminal cancer. The narrative interweaves Sophie’s theatrical endeavors with the reality of her mother’s worsening condition.
The Film's Conclusion
The final scenes of “Don’t Say Good Luck” depict Sophie performing her solo number, “She Used to Be Mine,” on the opening night of the musical. Simultaneously, her family has created a makeshift “beach house” in their backyard for Elizabeth, who is too ill to travel to the actual beach they once frequented. Elizabeth, appearing frail in a wheelchair, shares a quiet moment with her husband, Ted (Max Greenfield), indicating her awareness that her time is limited.
Although Elizabeth’s death is not explicitly shown on screen, the implication is strong. The film concludes with Sophie performing her song for her mother in the backyard. After the performance, Sophie hugs her mother, and the movie ends. This poignant scene suggests that Elizabeth will pass away shortly after.
The film’s co-writer, Laura Hankin, has shared that the story is based on her life. Hankin’s own mother attended her school musical and passed away a few weeks later. This real-life parallel informs the movie’s implied ending. The lyrics of the song Sophie sings, "She is gone, but she used to be mine," further underscore the impending loss.