Thecuy, can you imagine having to go through a major life moment while a loved one is facing a difficult situation? That experience inspired Laura Hankin, a novelist and screenwriter (screenwriter), when she wrote Don’t Say Good Luck, a Netflix coming-of-age film starring Sunny Sandler and Melanie Lynskey.
The story follows 16‑year‑old Sophie, who lands the lead role in a school musical while her mother’s cancer returns. Although it’s not a direct adaptation of a true story, the narrative has a strong connection to Hankin’s own experiences.
Curious which parts of this film are inspired by the author’s real life? Read on, Thecuy!
1. The Story Originated from Laura Hankin’s Real Experience
Laura Hankin, author of Don’t Say Good Luck / Photo: imdb.com
Before it became a Netflix film, Don’t Say Good Luck originated from Laura Hankin’s high school experience. At that time, she landed the lead role in a school musical while her mother’s cancer returned.
In an interview with Decider, Hankin explained that this experience became the foundation for the story she later developed into a film. The inspiration came from her experience of how school theater could be a source of joy amid a difficult family situation.
According to Wales Online, in real life, her mother was still able to watch Hankin’s performance before passing away a few weeks later.
2. Not All Stories in the Film Are Entirely True
Sunny Sandler and Melanie Lynskey as Sophie and Elizabeth in the Film Don’t Say Good Luck / Photo: imdb.com
Although inspired by personal experience, not all details of Hankin’s life made it into the film. Some plot points were deliberately altered during the screenplay development.
Hankin added a brother to Sophie’s character, changed the city where the family lived, and modified several aspects of the family’s life in the story.
Therefore, Don’t Say Good Luck is more accurately described as a film inspired by real life rather than a full adaptation of a true story.
3. Waitress Has a Connection to Laura’s Story
Sophie plays Jenna in the musical Waitress production in the film Don’t Say Good Luck / Photo: imdb.com
In the film, Sophie (Sunny Sandler) lands the role of Jenna in the musical Waitress. This choice of musical also had a personal reason for Hankin.
Hankin was drawn to Waitress because its story centers on the mother‑daughter relationship, which resonated with her personal experiences. However, the musical she participated in during high school was actually Moby Dick! The Musical.
Thus, despite some changes to the details, this musical comedy remains a worthwhile watch, Thecuy, because the emotions underlying the story still stem from Laura Hankin’s own experiences: about family, loss, and how a small stage can become a place to find happiness amid hardship.
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