James Norton fans, we have some good news for you. The beloved actor is back on our screens in a new coming-of-age drama that, if you ask us, is his best drama since Happy Valley. Sunny Dancer, which was released earlier this year and is now available to stream, tells the story of 17-year-old Ivy (Bella Ramsey) whose parents have signed her up to spend the summer at “chemo camp” - and James’s superb performance as her father is genuinely unmissable.
“We kind of bookend the film,” James told Heart Radio modestly of his role alongside Jessica Gunning, who plays Ivy’s mum Karen. “They arrive in this camp and Scissor Scissors is the soundtrack. It will make you laugh and it will make you cry. And James Blunt has a cameo, so what’s not to love?” If you’re in the mood for a film that strikes a careful balance between emotion and comedy, we can’t recommend it highly enough.
With the film available to watch tonight (or now, if you like), here's everything you need to know about Sunny Dancer, including the plot, cast and release date.
What is Sunny Dancer about?
As we mentioned, the film tells the story of 17-year-old Ivy (Bella Ramsey), who wants nothing more than to enjoy the long, hot summer in front of her – but her dad, Bob (played by James Norton), has other plans. Ivy is in remission from cancer and, instead of letting her hang out with her mates and party, he sends her to spend four weeks at a cancer camp in the Scottish countryside.
Ivy can’t think of anything worse - but the reality of the camp is far from what she expected. Yes, she’s rebellious, particularly towards the camp’s president Patrick (Neil Patrick Harris), but it’s not long before she starts to find fun in the experience. Along the way, she makes new friends, snorts prescription medication and does all the coming-of-age things she’s missed out on while being unwell. And the result is emotional yet life-affirming drama.
The film, which had its world premiere at the 76th Berlin International Film Festival earlier this year, is deeply personal to writer/director, 25-year-old George Jaques, who watched his own mum battle cancer. He told Screen Daily that, despite what many would expect, he wanted to make a film about joy: "What you realise when you visit these [hospital] wards is that cancer is the least interesting thing about these young people. They’re so full of life, they’re so naughty, and I thought, where is this film?”
Who’s in the cast of Sunny Dancer?
The cast of Sunny Dancer includes:
- James Norton (Happy Valley, Things Heard & Seen) as Bob
- Bella Ramsey (The Last of Us) as Ivy
- Daniel Quinn-Toye as Jake
- Ruby Stokes (The Jetty, Lockwood & Co) as Ella
- Neil Patrick Harris (How I Met Your Mother) as Patrick
- Jessica Gunning (Baby Reindeer, The Outlaws) as Karen
- Earl Cave (The Sweet East) as Ralph
- Conrad Khan (County Lines) as Archie
- Louis Gaunt (Bridgerton) as Tristan
- Josie Walker (Edge of Summer) as Brenda
- James Blunt as himself
Is there a trailer for Sunny Dancer?
Yes, you can watch the trailer for Sunny Dancer below.
Is Sunny Dancer any good?
Yes – it’s a funny, emotional and genuinely life-affirming film that perfectly blends tear-jerking moments with humour that many will relate to. Despite not being the central character, plenty of praise has to go to James Norton who gives an absolutely terrific performance, capturing all the anguish and mixed emotions of a parent who has been through the unthinkable and simply wants the best for his daughter.
How can I watch Sunny Dancer?
Sunny Dancer is available to watch now on Apple TV, Prime Video and YouTube.
What other James Norton dramas can I watch now?
For another poignant performance, we’d recommend Nowhere Special. The drama follows James’s character, John, is 35-year-old window cleaner with terminal brain cancer and only weeks left to live - and the story makes for a drama as gut-punching as you might imagine. You can watch Nowhere Special on ITVX. If you’re a period drama fan and fancy something a little gentler, we’d suggest Belle. The superb period drama sees James step into the shoes of aristocrat Oliver Ashford, who falls for the film’s leading lady, Dido Elizabeth Belle (Gugu Mbatha-Raw). Belle is available to watch on Disney+.
