Joy

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Joy

PG-13

Released Nov 22, 2024

1h 55m

Biography

Drama

History

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Popcornmeter

91%

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53 Reviews

90%

Popcornmeter

100+ Ratings

Joy tells the remarkable true story behind the ground-breaking birth of Louise Joy Brown in 1978, the world's first 'test-tube- baby', and the tireless 10-year journey to make it possible. Told through the perspective of Jean Purdy, a young nurse and embryologist, who joined forces with scientist Robert Edwards and surgeon Patrick Steptoe to unlock the puzzle of infertility by pioneering in vitro fertilization (IVF). The film celebrates the power of perseverance and the wonders of science as it follows this maverick trio of visionaries who overcame tremendous odds and opposition to realize their dream, and in doing so allowed millions of people to dream with them.

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Critics Consensus

Handsomely made and given some verve by a deliciously dry Bill Nighy, Joy is an uplifting tribute to the miracles of science.

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Tara Brady

Irish Times

The historical details lend poignancy ... Purdy died from cancer at the age of 39, in 1985. She lived long enough to see hundreds of children born around the world via IVF. But not the many millions that followed.

Rated: 3.5/5

Dec 12, 2024

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Matt Glasby

Empire Magazine

Made with love, even in its awkward moments, this modest account of a miraculous achievement is quietly life-affirming.

Rated: 3/5

Dec 10, 2024

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Amy Nicholson

FilmWeek (KPCC - NPR Los Angeles)

A really inspirational film celebrating science, which sadly feels controversial now.

Dec 5, 2024

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Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat

Spirituality & Practice

A value-laden true story of the world’s first in vitro fertilization baby.

Rated: 4/5

Dec 26, 2024

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Asyia Iftikhar

metro.co.uk

In the end, Joy acts as a well-worn lesson that even when women are the beating heart of the journey it still takes decades for our story to be told.

Rated: 4/5

Dec 13, 2024

Full Review

Charles Koplinski

Reel Talk with Chuck and Pam

The interactions between Thomasin, Norton and Nighy prove invaluable, the three performers creating a natural, sincere rapport. Each are contrary to one another in some way or another, yet the balance they create ultimately proves complimentary.

Rated: 3.5/4.0

Dec 12, 2024

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Torin F

JOY recounts Jean Purdy's important contributions in the development of IVF, a complex and sensitive subject that the film handles with notable care and skill, focusing on the humans involved as well as the science. Attention to detail and understated performances also distinguish this otherwise conventional historical drama, which unfolds at a measured if somewhat slow pace and honors its subjects without unnecessary embellishment.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/10/25

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FRS J

This was one of the best movies I have watched in years. Everything about it was outstanding - acting, storyline, cinematography. It tells a moving story about the sacrifices, strength of character, disappointment, and hope of those involved in bringing IVF to reality.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/30/25

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Diego E

Worth watching! It beautifully captures the message of all the people, not just the ones depicted in this film that paved the way for IVF, that have dedicated and sacrificed their lives for the better of society. Found myself fighting some tears here and there, will not deny. You won't be disappointed.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/25/25

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Andrew S

A brilliant film in so many ways !

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/24/25

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Joanna B

It's definitely worth a watch. It's nice to see women given the credit they deserve when it comes to scientific breakthroughs.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/20/25

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Master e

História muito linda mostrando a importância da ciência. Não esperava nada ao assistir o filme e me emocionei.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/18/25

Full Review

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Ben Taylor

Director

Bill Nighy

Patrick Steptoe

James Norton

Robert Edwards

Thomasin McKenzie

Jean Purdy

Ella Bruccoleri

Lesley Brown

Cecily Cleeve

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Synopsis

Joy tells the remarkable true story behind the ground-breaking birth of Louise Joy Brown in 1978, the world's first 'test-tube- baby', and the tireless 10-year journey to make it possible. Told through the perspective of Jean Purdy, a young nurse and embryologist, who joined forces with scientist Robert Edwards and surgeon Patrick Steptoe to unlock the puzzle of infertility by pioneering in vitro fertilization (IVF). The film celebrates the power of perseverance and the wonders of science as it follows this maverick trio of visionaries who overcame tremendous odds and opposition to realize their dream, and in doing so allowed millions of people to dream with them.

Director: Ben Taylor
Producer: Finola Dwyer, Amanda Posey
Screenwriter: Jack Thorne
Distributor: Netflix
Production Co: Pathe UK, Wildgaze Films
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Biography, Drama, History
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 22, 2024, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 22, 2024
Runtime: 1h 55m

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