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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Entertainment
Peter Bradshaw

Sunny Dancer review – ‘chemo camp’ gives teen drama a fresh spin

Bella Ramsey in Sunny Dancer.
Stellar … Bella Ramsey in Sunny Dancer. Photograph: © Colin J Smith, Sunny Dancer Distribution Limited

Bella Ramsey leads the cast of this likable coming-of-age movie from 25-year-old actor-turned-director George Jaques about a summer camp for teens with cancer. Though maybe sometimes a bit too euphoric in its positivity, and unrealistic about the life-changing experiences to be had at a camp like this or any other, it’s big-hearted, well acted, topped off with an amusing star cameo – and for those who think they can spot the “tragic-sacrificial” character in stories like this, writer-director Jaques executes a smart misdirection-twist.

There’s a kind of Heartstopper energy and a strongly LGBTQ+ cast but perhaps oddly, heterosexuality is dominant. It is as if the centrality of cancer has left no room for any additional “other” identities.

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