Sunny Dancer Review: Bella Ramsey Leads a Heartfelt Teen Drama
Bella Ramsey stars in the uplifting coming-of-age film Sunny Dancer, directed by actor-turned-filmmaker George Jaques. This likable movie, premiering at the Berlin Film Festival, explores a summer camp for teenagers with cancer, offering a fresh and warm spin on a familiar genre.
A Fresh Take on the Coming-of-Age Story
The film centres on Ivy, a 17-year-old played by Bella Ramsey, who is in remission from cancer. Ivy is angry, insular, and resentful, worrying her parents Karen and Bob, portrayed by Jessica Gunning and James Norton. To Ivy's fury, Bob reveals he has signed her up for a therapeutic "chemo camp" for adolescents in similar situations.
Despite her mutinous attitude, Ivy reluctantly attends the camp, unimpressed by the bouncy platitudes of camp leader Patrick, played by Neil Patrick Harris. However, she slowly thaws as she forms connections with other campers, including Ella, played by Ruby Stokes, who is eager to lose her virginity to the hunky activities director Ralph, portrayed by Earl Cave.
Strong Performances and Smart Storytelling
The ensemble cast includes Jasmine Elcock as tarot-obsessed Maisie, Conrad Khan as shy Archie, and Daniel Quinn-Toye as dreamy-eyed Jake, with whom Ivy shares a special bond. These characters are hungry for new experiences, adding urgency to their stories as they face the possibility of cancer returning.
Writer-director George Jaques executes a clever misdirection twist, subverting expectations for a "tragic-sacrificial" character often seen in such narratives. The film carries a Heartstopper-like energy with a strongly LGBTQ+ cast, though heterosexuality dominates, perhaps because the focus on cancer leaves little room for additional "other" identities.
Genre Tropes with a Positive Spin
Sunny Dancer shares structural similarities with summer camp movies about Christian gay conversion practices, such as But I'm a Cheerleader and Boy Erased. However, it upends tropes like oppressive parents, upbeat camp leaders, and secret bonding, infusing them with a positive, uncynical outlook.
Instead of praying away differences, the camp focuses on dispelling fear and isolation through therapy, activities, and education. Characters like uptight Patrick and the Nurse Ratched-type meds assistant Brenda, played by Josie Walker, are given depth and respect, challenging initial impressions.
A Buoyant and Sunny Film
While the film can be overly euphoric and unrealistic about life-changing camp experiences, it remains big-hearted and well-acted. The amusing star cameo and smart writing contribute to its buoyancy and sunshine, making it an engaging watch despite its generic debts.
A realistic look might highlight that Ivy joins the "cool kids" elite, common in high school movies, leaving other campers with different experiences. This opens scope for imagining an Inbetweeners-style version about not-quite-cool kids with cancer, adding layers to the narrative.
Overall, Sunny Dancer is a compelling teen drama that balances humour and heart, led by Bella Ramsey's stellar performance and George Jaques' thoughtful direction.
