Joy

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Joy

PG-13

Released Nov 22, 2024

1h 55m

Biography

Drama

History

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Popcornmeter

91%

Tomatometer

53 Reviews

89%

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.

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

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 (KPCC - NPR Los Angeles)

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

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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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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

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Lars N

Not exactly a thrillride, but rather a modestly told story showcasing that miracles are sometimes just the result of work and sacrifices made by tenacious hardworking everyday people.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/12/25

Full Review

Martin A

This really is a must see, the work that was undertaken was truly ground braking and our son would not be here without this work. The cast is fantastic and being centered around Jean is a master stroke of story telling ...

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/11/25

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Jennifer P

Jean Purdy, RN - I am completely moved by this interpretation of your nursing career. Credit to the director and writers for centering the film on her life story, you truly captured the essence of a passionate and smart woman who delivers the art of science. I am a Nurse and currently waiting to hear if my frozen embryo transfer was a success, many (possibly and most definitely hormonal) tears were shed throughout the film. Thank you to all the women who've come before me.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/09/25

Full Review

D&G H

A very moving look into the history of IVF treatment. A great film and take on an important moment in modern history.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/05/25

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

Caroline

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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