Joy

Play trailer

Joy

PG-13

Released Nov 22, 2024

1h 55m

Biography

Drama

History

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

91%

Tomatometer

53 Reviews

89%

Popcornmeter

250+ 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.

Watch on Netflix

Stream Now

Critics Consensus

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

Read Critics Reviews

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

Full Review

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

Full Review

Amy Nicholson

FilmWeek (LAist)

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

Dec 5, 2024

Full Review

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

Full Review

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

Full Review

Read all reviews

Kyle M

When watching this timely-edged film, your processing mind gets involved in the topic’s critical discussion as this warily tells the story of biological possibility with moderate thoroughness somewhat in the approach. Its turnout will surprise you after defying the cynics, whilst being dramatically routine and well performed with empathetic conviction that may hold decent engagement. (B)

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

06/22/25

Full Review

Jerod S

The true story of IVF and how it came to be. Bill Nighy is especially fun to watch in this element. Controversy and all, it's changed the course of millions of lives.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

05/21/25

Full Review

William K

A profound and in depth chronicle of the process of infertility and the science that changed it for all times. Great.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/08/25

Full Review

Lyra C

A beautifully made, finely acted gem! This hugely moving film deserved more recognition.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/25/25

Full Review

Chloe P

A moving story with beautiful performances showing the deeply personal stories behind an incredible scientific discovery.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/25/25

Full Review

Daniel B

Well told story of important scientific breakthrough

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

04/15/25

Full Review

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

POST RATING

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

Ben Taylor

Director

Bill Nighy

Patrick Steptoe

James Norton

Robert Edwards

Thomasin McKenzie

Jean Purdy

Ella Bruccoleri

Lesley Brown

Cecily Cleeve

Caroline

Cabrini

90%

98%

Cabrini

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Cabrini

Tesla

58%

43%

Tesla

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Tesla

Bigger

11%

78%

Bigger

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Bigger

Radioactive

63%

43%

Radioactive

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Radioactive

Tolkien

51%

71%

Tolkien

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Tolkien

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

View more photos

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: Wildgaze Films, Pathe UK
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

Most Popular at Home Now