Sunny Dancer, the new British comedy-drama starring Bella Ramsey and James Norton, has released a joyous first teaser clip. With a stacked cast and a heartwarming story, this could be a big hit upon its release.
The film, from writer-director George Jaques, sees Ramsey portray Ivy, a 17-year-old in remission from cancer. The teen is soon signed up for a summer camp by her parents, where she meets new friends.
After being announced in April 2024 and unveiling its first-look images just over a year later, the film has now released its first teaser clip, which depicts Ivy’s emotional journey.
According to the official description (via Variety), Sunny Dancer takes “a refreshing, uplifting and surprising approach to the teenage cancer story” as “kids and adults emerge from adversity with resilience, humor and heart”.
In addition to Ramsey and Norton, who plays Ivy’s father Bob, the cast for the comedy-drama includes Neil Patrick Harris, Jessica Gunning, Ruby Stokes and Daniel Quinn-Toye.
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While there is currently no release date, Sunny Dancer did have its world premiere at the 76th Berlin International Film Festival on Friday (13 February), and it seems to have impressed critics thus far.
On Rotten Tomatoes, all three reviews that have been submitted so far have been designated fresh, with Next Best Picture calling it a “gem of a film that should be sought out by all”.
“While it sometimes loses itself to flights of melodramatic adolescent fantasy, it confidently wraps its heavy themes in a peppy, accessible package,” opined Screen International, while The Guardian said the film had “buoyancy and sunshine”.
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Billed as having the “best of new British talent” in its cast, Jaques said he was “beyond excited” to have such an “insanely talented” group of people on the project.
“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,” he added.
Sunny Dancer has no UK release date.
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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. Â 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.
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