Sunny Dancer follows Ivy, a teen in remission from cancer, who reluctantly attends a summer camp for young cancer survivors. With Bella Ramsey leading a stellar young cast, this dramedy balances raw emotion with genuine laughs, and reveals a surprising behind-the-scenes connection for its director.
In Sunny Dancer, Ivy (played with trademark intensity by Bella Ramsey) is a teenager in remission from cancer, and the last thing she wants is to spend her summer at Children Run Free Camp, a retreat for young adults affected by the disease. But as director George Jaques shows us, sometimes the most reluctant campers end up discovering the most about themselves. The film is a delicate blend of drama and comedy, never shying away from the tough stuff but always finding light in the darkest moments.
What makes this film extra special is the cast. Ramsey, known for Game of Thrones and The Last of Us, is joined by a breakout ensemble including Daniel Quinn-Toye (who stunned audiences on the West End in Dear Evan Hansen), Ruby Stokes (Bridgerton), Earl Cave, and Conrad Khan. The chemistry between them feels so real that you'd swear they actually went to camp together — and here's a fun fact: director Jaques made the entire cast do a week-long real camping trip in the Ardennes forest in Belgium, without any phones, to build that bond.
Behind the scenes, George Jaques wrote the script based on his own experience as a childhood cancer survivor — a fact he only revealed to the cast on the last day of filming. He wanted the film to feel authentic, not exploitative, and that personal touch shines through in every scene. The result is a film that treats its young characters with respect and humor, never reducing them to their illness.
Did you know? The film's title, Sunny Dancer, comes from a nickname Jaques's mother gave him during his treatment, because he always tried to dance even when he was feeling weak. It's a small detail that adds a layer of poignancy to the whole project.
With a runtime of 106 minutes, Sunny Dancer is a perfect summer film for those who want something more than just blockbuster explosions. It's a celebration of resilience, friendship, and the awkward, beautiful mess of being a teenager. Catch it now in Belgian cinemas — it's a film that will make you laugh, cry, and maybe want to sign up for summer camp yourself.
