Bella Ramsey shines in this new coming-of-age story
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE BY COLIN J SMITH
After beating cancer, you’d think 17-year-old Ivy wouldn’t have many more big obstacles to face. But when her parents sign her up to spend her summer at what she calls “chemo camp”, she’s left to navigate a whole different challenge: falling in love and making friends.
Starring Bella Ramsey, Jessica Gunning, and Neil Patrick Harris, George Jaques’s new film Sunny Dancer is both heartfelt and incredibly funny. From carnival rides to camping, Sunny Dancer watches as Ivy (Ramsey) finds her place in the world with her newly acquired group of best friends. This is not your typical film about teenagers with cancer. Forget hospital wards, sombre waiting rooms and stern-faced doctors. Sunny Dancer is all about connection, losing your virginity and a whole lot of booze.
Bella Ramsey, known for Game Of Thrones and The Last Of Us, is the perfect choice for Ivy. Part teenage angst, part authentic rage at feeling misunderstood, Bella moves between humour and heartbreak with power. In particular, they shine in moments of deep emotional intensity, reminding audiences why they are one of the breakout stars of a generation. In particular, it’s refreshing to see Bella take on a coming-of-age role that feels rooted in the real-life experiences of teenagers. Jessica Gunning also provides a knockout performance as Karen, Ivy’s mum. Half iconic one-liners, half intense emotional scenes, the pair’s final scene is nothing short of a tear-jerker.
Joining Bella at “chemo camp” is a band of misfits, ready to spend the summer partying, making memories, and yes, losing their V-cards. Ruby Stokes stars as Ivy’s bubbly, sexually-frustrated room-mate, Ella. At the beginning of the film, it’s clear that Ella doesn’t want to be defined or put in boxes when it comes to her sexuality. It’s a rare but important portrayal of a young woman owning her desires and sexuality. What is striking about the friendships in this film is just how real they appear, wrapping the reader up in the comfort of its coming-of-age story.
Although this film doesn’t feature any explicit queer storylines, it’s still a beautiful story about the power of community and chosen family – something which LGBTQIA+ audiences can resonate with.
Sunny Dancer is in UK cinemas now.
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