Verbinski's Indie Thriller 'Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die' Tackles AI Apocalypse

Sam Rockwell shines in this scrappy, low-budget middle finger to social media and AI that serves as a wake-up call.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Gore Verbinski's new indie film "Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die" is a gritty, chaotic thriller that follows a disheveled man who bursts into a diner claiming to be from the future, warning of an impending AI apocalypse. He assembles a misfit team, including a grieving mother, a disconnected couple, and a tech-allergic rebel, to traverse six city blocks and stop a 9-year-old boy from creating the advanced AI that will lead to humanity's downfall. With shades of "Dog Day Afternoon" and "Akira," the film blends social commentary on social media and AI with a wild, unpredictable ride.

Why it matters

In an era of big-budget blockbusters, "Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die" serves as a refreshing reminder that smart, creative storytelling can thrive even on a modest budget. Verbinski's film offers biting social commentary on the dangers of technology addiction and the AI revolution, presenting a cautionary tale that will leave audiences thinking long after the credits roll.

The details

The film opens with Sam Rockwell's character bursting into a diner, claiming to be from the future and wearing a device he says is a bomb. He recruits a team of misfits, including Juno Temple as a grieving mother, Michael Pena and Zazie Beetz as a disconnected couple, and Haley Lu Richardson as a tech-allergic rebel, to help him traverse six city blocks and stop a 9-year-old boy from creating the advanced AI that will lead to humanity's downfall. During their perilous journey, the group discovers the device is not a bomb but Rockwell's ticket home if the mission fails - a mission he's attempted 116 times before without success.

  • The film is set in the near future, with the AI apocalypse looming.
  • Rockwell's character has been traveling back in time 117 times to try and stop the disaster.

The players

Gore Verbinski

The director of the film, known for his work on blockbusters like the "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise, who has now turned his attention to a scrappy, low-budget indie thriller.

Sam Rockwell

The acclaimed actor who stars as the disheveled, time-traveling prophet trying to save the future.

Haley Lu Richardson

The actress who plays Ingrid, a tech-allergic rebel who is crucial to the mission's success.

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What they’re saying

“Trust me, I know that leaves a lot out in the ether in terms of story, but dammit I don't want to ruin anything in this film.”

— Caine Gardner, Film Critic (substack.com)

“Verbinski and company have restored my faith in the future of cinema with this film and that's not an exaggeration.”

— Caine Gardner, Film Critic (substack.com)

What’s next

The film is expected to generate significant buzz and discussion around the dangers of technology addiction and the AI revolution, potentially sparking further debate and introspection on these important issues.

The takeaway

"Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die" serves as a refreshing reminder that creative, thought-provoking storytelling can thrive even on a modest budget, offering a bold, chaotic vision that challenges audiences to confront the real-world implications of our increasing reliance on technology and AI.