James Norton’s new coming-of-age drama Sunny Dancer has received a heartwarming first-look teaser after premiering at the Berlin Film Festival – and it looks like one to add straight to your summer watchlist.
Described by Berlinale chief Tricia Tuttle as one of this year’s “hidden gems” (as per Deadline), Sunny Dancer follows Ivy (played by The Last of Us‘s Bella Ramsey), a teenager in remission from cancer. Initially resistant to being sent to a summer camp for young people affected by the disease, Ivy gradually forms close friendships – and an unexpected romantic connection – that changes her outlook entirely.
The teaser shows Ivy and her fellow campers dancing joyfully around a lakeside camp, with I Don’t Feel Like Dancin’ blasting in the background. Created by George Jaques, the film sees James Norton play Ivy’s father Bob. The cast also includes Jessica Gunning, Neil Patrick Harris and Ruby Stokes.
While a release date has yet to be confirmed, the film is expected to hit cinemas in summer 2026. A lucky audience caught an early glimpse at its Berlin premiere on 13 February. Read on for everything you need to know about the film.
What have critics said about Sunny Dancer?
Following its Berlin debut, the film has received a largely positive response from critics.
In its review, The Guardian wrote: “Bella Ramsey leads this likable coming-of-age story where the shared experience of adolescent cancer gives new warmth to a familiar genre,” while Next Best Picture noted: “This is a gem of a film that should be sought out by all.”
Meanwhile, The Lamplight Review added: “The film refuses to reduce these characters to their diagnoses, allowing them to be funny, horny, awkward, angry, and occasionally stupid in ways that have nothing to do with being sick, and everything to do with being seventeen.”
© Sebastian Gollnow/picture alliance via Getty ImagesWhat happens in Sunny Dancer?
The film centres on Ivy, a 17-year-old who “can’t think of anything worse” than becoming a Make-A-Wish kid and attending ‘Chemo Camp’.
The synopsis reads: “When her parents send her to a summer camp for kids affected by cancer, Ivy has a hard time adjusting to the rules. But as the weeks progress, she manages to find unexpected friends in an unlikely group of misfits and has a summer she’ll never forget at ‘Chemo Camp’.”
Who stars in Sunny Dancer?
Bella Ramsey (The Last Of Us) leads the cast as Ivy, while Daniel Quinn Toye (Voltron) plays Jake.
© AFP via Getty ImagesJessica Gunning (Baby Reindeer) is Karen, James Norton (Joy) plays Bob Neil Patrick Harris (Gone Girl) is Patrick and Ruby Stokes (Bridgerton) plays Ella.
Rounding out the ensemble cast are Earl Cave (Days of the Bagnold Summer), newcomer Jasmine Elcock, Conrad Khan (County Lines), Shalom Brune-Franklin (Dune: Prophecy), Josie Walker (Kneecap) and Louis Gaunt (Bridgerton).
Sunny Dancer is set to hit cinemas in summer 2026.
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