Young British filmmaker George Jaques has assembled one of the best queer casts for his second full-length feature “Sunny Dancer” (Quiver). It’s a movie that, despite also prominently featuring the music of Scissor Sisters, is not in the least bit queer.
Ivy (non-binary actor Bella Ramsey) is 17 and lives with her devoted parents Bob (James Norton) and Karen (out, Emmy-winning actor Jessica Gunning). Ivy “got the all-clear 10 months ago” following her battle with leukemia but has not returned to socializing in the way that she did prior to her diagnosis. Out of concern for her emotional unavailability, Ivy’s parents have secured a place for their daughter at what Ivy calls “chemo camp,” for the month of August, where she will be with others her age who have had a similar experience.
Separated into segments of four weeks, “Sunny Dancer” invites the audience to watch Ivy’s transformation. At first, she is resistant to interacting with the other campers, including her cabin-mate Ella (Ruby Stokes), who is intent on losing her virginity, and Ella’s popular crowd known as “the squad”: Jake (Daniel Quinn-Toye), Maisie (Jasmine Elcock), Ralph (Earl Cave, son of musician Nick Cave), and Archie (Conrad Khan). Ivy also seems determined to make life for camp president Patrick (out actor Neil Patrick Harris) as challenging and frustrating as possible.
Eventually, Ivy adjusts her attitude. She becomes one of “the squad.” This, of course, means that she will continue to get into trouble, but at least she establishes a circle of friends. These friends are especially important because they all have stories of their experiences to share, common ground on which to stand. By the second week, Ivy and her crew have gotten into trouble for going in the lake unsupervised and getting into a brawl with townies at a carnival. The third week brings a range of emotions brought on by the return of Ralph’s cancer, as well as an 18th birthday party for Ella, and a romantic and intimate moment between Ivy and Jake.
But there are bigger feels to follow, including Ivy’s well-received dance routine to Scissor Sisters’ “I Don’t Feel Like Dancin’” at the talent show (with her parents in attendance) and the unexpected passing of one of the members of “the squad.” In other words, “Sunny Dancer” is like the emotional equivalent of the Scrambler the friends ride on at the carnival. One minute you’re over here, and the next you’re over there, before you even get the chance to catch your breath. The performances by the young cast, led by Ramsey, are all solid and admirable, and the adults, including Harris and Gunning, also hold their own in such company.
Rating: B+
