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Joy

Play trailer Poster for Joy PG-13 Released Nov 22, 2024 1h 55m Biography Drama History Play Trailer Watchlist
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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.
Joy

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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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Critics Reviews

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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 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

Audience Reviews

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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 Full Review 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 Jo H I was recommended to watch Joy by a colleague, as an IVF mother my interest in watching was sincere and curious to learn how IVF came about. Sadly I felt the time I spent watching it was poorly invested. The character profiling was non existent, it really lacked the build up of the back stories of the people involved, felt very basic intro with no context to what was driving the people to do it. That handful of people literally changed the world, how could the makers be so wishy washy with not profiling what was pushing the individuals to do what they were doing? It seemed the technical aspects of the science behind it all was very glossed over too, a movie portraying such ground breaking discoveries should surely document the finer intricacies and key moments of discovery, instead it just showed moments looking through a microscope with no context. And what happened to showing us more about the early participants, their back stories, the struggles, the challenges and emotions they went through? It felt like the women actually going through it were being presented as just names and numbers on a list….as the story goes of those women didn’t take part there would be no story to tell….right? I can only hope there is a remake or another take on the story that will be released??? Rated 2 out of 5 stars 01/04/25 Full Review David B My beautiful little girl was born through IVF after 5 years of disappointment, pain, tears and being told that we can never have children. She’s 7 years old now AND has a gorgeous 4 year old brother to play with too (who was natural, ironically). Chinese medicine, acupuncture, no sugar, no dairy, no gluten and the scientific help from the ARGC clinic in London made our dreams come true. This is one of the most moving films ever created. Took us right back to what we went through. All the ups and downs. Absolutely blew me away!!! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/03/25 Full Review Read all reviews
Joy

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Movie Info

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