This feel-good yet heartbreaking story of a summer chemo camp for teenagers holds a bold new standard for coming-of-age comedy-dramas. Brought to the screen by young writer and director, George Jaques, this drama certainly puts the audience through its paces. Expect sunshine, heartache, and tears from Sunny Dancer (2026).
Ivy (Bella Ramsey) is a stubborn 17-year-old who is less than enthusiastic to join a four-week retreat at a summer camp for young adults with cancer, which she terms ‘chemo camp.’ After beating leukaemia, her parents Karen (Jessica Gunning) and Bob (James Norton) encourage her to discover new friends and live her life. Rather than spending time on her phone holed up in her bedroom for the summer, Ivy reluctantly agrees. But her decision leads her down a journey she will never forget.
Sunny Dancer: Friendship, Love & Rebellion
Ivy warms towards the popular campers. A group full of The Breakfast Club-esque misfit archetypes. There’s Ivy’s soon-to-be best friend, the head in the clouds Ella (Ruby Stokes), tough baddie Ralph (Earl Cave), advocate for tarot Maisie (Jasmine Elcock), quiet and contemplative Archie (Conrad Khan), and lover-boy Jake with his big blue eyes catching adorning glances at Ivy.
But her journey leads her from talking through her troubles to guidance counsellor, Lucy (Shalom Brune-Franklin) to watching James Blunt perform onstage (in what is a funny and light-hearted cameo from the musician). The stunning story, likeable characters, and excellent cast showcases this emotional and feel-good story. Its story speaks on friendship, love, and rebellion among so many other emotional points. It just goes to show how some people can change your life forever.
Joy & Tears
But like any good friendship group, Ivy learns from each of them. Ella encourages Ivy to become more care-free, Jake brings out her romantic and softer side, Ralph encourages her to be braver and bolder. Whilst Maisie inspires her to become more spiritually connected to the world, and Archie creates a safe space for the group to all be themselves.
But there’s always feelings involved too. And this is shown through the group’s pairings as they each couple up. But Ella’s dedicated crush on buff teacher Tristan (Louis Grant) adds a comic relief to the joyous yet heart-rendering storyline.
Sunny Dancer hits all the right moves. Not only the ones Bella Ramsey makes on the talent show stage but how its story, setting, and characters truly come to life. The cast sets the bar extremely high. Bella Ramsey, Neil Patrick Harris, Jessica Gunning, and James Norton among others lets its audience know this story holds something extremely special. Ramsey leads this story with an emotional intensity that makes its audience smile with joy yet feel torn apart with a tear-inducing heartbreak.
From Happiness to Heartbreak
Jaques makes its audience feel part of this likeable group of campers. It’s easy to get annoyed by camp leader, Patrick (Neil Patrick Harris) or authoritative nurse, Brenda (Josie Walker). Despite the adults trying to keep control, the teen campers attempt to live their best life among surviving.
From canoeing to campfires, skinny-dipping, parties, and a talent show – the film at points makes its characters and audience forget the reason they are there. Until life creeps back up on them and the harsh realities come to light.
Its structure is sectioned into four weeks and moves constantly between happiness to heartbreak. Harris’ Patrick transformation from an annoying camp leader to a mentor figure serves as one of Ivy’s best relationships. Away from the comfort of home and the love of her parents, Patrick is her emotional guide and compass. A nicely placed twist completely upends Ivy’s journey. Although her life will never be the same again, what she learns and the memories she takes away from camp are written in stone.
A Rollercoaster of Emotions
Throughout the story Ivy transforms from a closed-off, angry-at-the-world teenager to a happier, brighter, and bolder Ivy. It goes to show she was always capable of showing this side of her but it’s through surrounding herself with the right people that allowed her to present this.
Sunny Dancer has the bright power to target contrasts. Swaying from an upbeat, bold, and feel-good story to quickly switching to a real, emotional, and heartbreaking journey. For Ivy her multitude of highs and lows brings a rollercoaster of emotions.
However, for a character as young and courageous as her shows a strong, resilient, and determined female. A character which Jacques excels at giving hope to breaking her heart and allowing life to take its course. Adding a fresh take to the coming-of-age genre, this beautifully adolescent-defining story is a must-watch on the big screen and deserves all the praise.
Sunny Dancer is released across UK cinemas on 14th August.
Rating: 5 stars
You can read more reviews like this including The Odyssey (2026) here.