“Don’t Say Break a Leg” Review: Sunny Sandler and Melanie Lynskey Shine in a Bittersweet Coming-of-Age True Story
According to CinemaDrame News Agency, film critic Alice Bennett writes in an exclusive article: Following her standout talent alongside her father Adam Sandler in Netflix’s 2023 comedy You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah, Sunny Sandler returns in Happy Madison Productions’ newest offering, Don’t Say Break a Leg. The film proves that artistic talent truly runs in the family, continuing the production company’s recent streak of mature, deeply emotionally grounded works alongside its traditional broad comedies.
Based on a true story experienced by screenwriter Laura Hankin, the film was initially drafted by Hankin before being co-written with Jordan Horowitz and Julia Hart, who also directs. Sunny Sandler plays Sophie, a high school theater enthusiast auditioning for a role in a school production of the hit musical Waitress. Against the odds, she lands the lead role—achieving a dream bigger than she had envisioned. Yet, at the height of this adolescent triumph, reality strikes a tragic blow when her mother, Elizabeth (Melanie Lynskey), suffers a recurrence of her cancer.
Julia Hart’s sensitive and astute direction delicately balances the agonizing journey of a mother facing a terminal diagnosis with the pivotal milestones of a teenager stepping into young adulthood. The narrative toggles between high school musical rehearsals, blossoming stage romance, and the quiet heartbreak of a mother’s declining health, forming the emotional core of a mature and compelling film that captures the healing power of art against harsh realities. In less experienced hands, the narrative could have succumbed to standard teen-melodrama tropes, but rich performances from Sandler and the extraordinary Melanie Lynskey elevate it into something deeply affecting. Lynskey portrays a devoted mother who initially attempts to conceal the severity of her terminal illness, seeking to grant her daughter one last unburdened milestone—a decision that inevitably creates complex emotional friction as Elizabeth’s condition worsens.
Narratively, the film seamlessly shifts between poignant family drama and the grueling rehearsals for Waitress, in which Sophie plays a pregnant character. This parallel cleverly prompts an intimate conversation between Sophie and her mother that few viewers will navigate unmoved. The moment occurs when the drama teacher (Stephanie Beatriz), unaware of the family’s situation, advises Sophie to ask her mother what carrying a child felt like to better connect with the role. It stands as just one of many sequences that elevate the project above typical genre formula.
Hart, who previously proved her adeptness with coming-of-age stories in Miss Stevens, demonstrates a keen understanding of how to engage the audience’s emotions without falling into cheap sentimentality. Sunny Sandler, who showcases an impressive and authentic singing voice during several musical numbers from Waitress, depicts Sophie as an earnest young woman collapsing under the weight of her mother’s absence during her biggest milestone, yet growing through the grief to learn that life rarely goes according to script. Melanie Lynskey is equally superb, portraying a self-sacrificing mother pouring every ounce of remaining energy into supporting her daughter.
While the film is anchored by its two leads, the supporting cast delivers strong performances: Max Greenfield as the father, Jack Champion as Sophie’s co-star and romantic interest, and Elise Bell as her spirited friend and rival all bring balance to the ensemble. Additionally, screen veterans Bebe Neuwirth and Steve Buscemi deliver brief yet memorable appearances.
Produced by Adam Sandler, Jackie Sandler, Jordan Horowitz, Brian Kavanaugh-Jones, and Fred Berger, this Netflix feature will begin streaming globally on August 14, 2026.
