Julia Hart on filmmaking and “Don’t Say Good Luck”

How do you navigate the turbulent waters of high school when your family is facing profound loss? This question lies at the emotional core of Julia Hart’s latest musical drama, “Don’t Say Good Luck,” a film that invites audiences to explore the delicate balance between teenage angst and overwhelming familial grief.

Hart, a writer-director who has successfully navigated the Hollywood landscape, brings her unique perspective to the screen as she guides Sunny Sandler through the tumultuous journey of adolescence complicated by her mother’s serious illness. Her approach is not one of easy sentimentality; instead, she masterfully weaves Sophie’s big teen emotions with the heavy drama of her family life, steering clear of maudlin melodrama in favor of a perspective rooted in resilience.

Hart’s career is marked by a distinctive blend of experience and ambition. Born with Hollywood in her blood, having inherited screenwriting talent from influential figures, she spent years honing her craft as a high school teacher before making her feature film debut. She later returned to the festival circuit with dramas like “Fast Color” and “I’m Your Woman,” demonstrating a range that spans neo-noir, superhero narratives, and heartfelt teen stories.

The current project, “Don’t Say Good Luck,” deepened this blend of experience. Hart drew upon her own life, finding inspiration in the reality of dealing with concurrent personal challenges. The script itself was born from real experiences, grounding the high-stakes emotional narrative in authentic human struggle. This commitment to truth is what allows the film to achieve its powerful, unifying effect.

In crafting the story, Hart sought a sense of balance—a notion that allowing joy and perspective can coexist even amidst profound hardship. She argued that art provides an essential outlet for processing immense feelings. By focusing on the idea that character has the ability to find meaning through community and creation, she offered a hopeful message: even when life feels unbearable, finding an outlet can be salvific.

This approach resonates deeply with her experience as both a teacher and a creative. Having guided teenagers in their formative years, Hart understands the magnetic pull of coming-of-age stories. She believes that by showing young people how to stand up for themselves and find strength within their communities, cinema can offer powerful lessons.

The film is enriched by an incredible ensemble cast, including Melanie Lynskey, Max Greenfield, Stephanie Beatriz, and Steve Buscemi, whose performances add rich layers of adult dynamics to the teenage narrative. The interplay between different generations—the mother, the daughter, and the grandfather—further explores the complex ways people process loss and dream.

The production itself was a remarkable collaboration, bringing together talents like Adam Sandler and his team at Happy Madison. This partnership demonstrated how art can connect disparate lives, resulting in a film that felt both deeply personal and universally relatable. Hart found immense privilege in guiding this experience, fostering a “happy family” environment on set.

Ultimately, Julia Hart’s work suggests that art is not just escapism; it is a vital tool for survival and healing. By allowing characters to experience their full range of emotions—the sorrow, the hope, and the sheer tenacity of life—these stories remind us that creativity is an essential force in navigating the difficult realities of existence. It reminds us that even when things are hard, there is always room to find light and meaning.