Sunny Dancer, the “emotional” new British film starring Bella Ramsey and James Norton, has released its first-look image.
The comedy-drama, from writer-director George Jaques, sees Ramsey play Ivy, a teenager who is in remission from cancer. Despite the improvement in her condition, Ivy is annoyed when forced to attend a summer camp aimed at young people affected by cancer.
Despite her reluctance to attend, Ivy soon forges bonds with a host of new faces, with her “late-teen scepticism” being traded for a newfound sense of compassion as she begins to cherish “love, true friendship and humour”.
Boasting a stacked supporting cast including Neil Patrick Harris, Jessica Gunning and Ruby Stokes, the first image for Sunny Dancer ahead of its proposed 2026 release shows Ramsey’s Ivy alongside fellow attendees of the summer camp.
“We have been captivated by George’s emotional, whip-smart, and fundamentally feel-good storytelling,” said executive producer Herbert L Kloiber. “The cast has assembled for a celebration of joyous optimism, and George is acutely assured as a director.”
Colin J Smith
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“The chemistry among our brilliant young cast is remarkable – their on-screen connection continues seamlessly throughout early morning cast calls, lunch breaks and long after we wrap for the evening,” added producer Ken Petrie. “What you’ll see in-camera is a reflection of authentic friendship.”
“I’m beyond excited to have such insanely talented people on board – absolute masters of their craft – coming together to create a movie that’s equal parts hilarious and gut-punching,” said Jaques.
“I want the audience to laugh till they cry, then actually cry, and walk away with a fresh perspective on how the young, in fighting for life, are seen – not as victims, but as bold, complex, and full of life.”
In addition to the aforementioned cast members, Sunny Dancer also features Daniel Quinn Toye, Earl Cave, Jasmine Elcock, Conrad Khan, Shalom Brune-Franklin, Josie Walker and Louis Gaunt.
Tibrina Hobson//Getty Images
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“Ivy (Ramsey), a teenager in remission from cancer, whose gloriously outspoken mum and well-intentioned dad insist she attend Children Run Free Camp, a summer retreat for young adults affected by cancer,” reads the logline.
“The camp’s slogan, ‘Where kids come to kid,’ does little to alleviate Ivy’s apprehension, and a quick Google search confirms her fears when she stumbles upon a cringeworthy promotional video filled with tacky messages and clichéd sunsets.
“As if conquering cancer wasn’t enough of a challenge, Ivy now faces the prospect of spending her summer at what she calls ‘chemo camp.’ However, as Ivy is reluctantly dragged through camp experience, she discovers new feelings with new friends.”
Sunny Dancer is scheduled to be released in 2026.
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Reporter, Digital Spy George is a freelance writer who specialises in Movies and TV. After graduating with a degree in Film Studies and Journalism from De Montfort University, in which he analysed the early works of Richard Linklater for his dissertation, he wrote for several websites for GRV Media. His film tastes vary from blockbusters like Mission: Impossible and John Wick to international directors such as Paolo Sorrentino and Hirokazu Kore-eda, and has attended both the London and Berlin film festivals.