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Joy

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Joy

PG-13

Released Nov 22, 2024

1h 55m

Biography

Drama

History

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

91%

Tomatometer

53 Reviews

90%

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.

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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 (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

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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

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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

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Lyra C

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

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/25/25

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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

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Daniel B

Well told story of important scientific breakthrough

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

04/15/25

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Wayne M

Joy is a poignant and extremely well crafted film about an important true story. The film is the true story of the birth of the world's first in vitro fertilisation baby. It's a story of perserverance and humanity. It starts in 1968 when nurse Jean Purdy gets hired by scientist Robert Edwards at his lab at the University of Cambridge. Together they recruit surgeon Patrick Steptoe in their endeavours to provide a way for women with infertility problems to have babies. It's a painstaking process that takes many years of trials and research. There is opposition feom the church and government to combat them as well. The film expertly shows not just the fight from these three individuals and their team, but also the bravery of women who are desperate to have children. It's told with grace and class, aided by superb performances from Bill Nighy, Thomasin McKenzie and James Norton. This fine film is nto flashy but it's well made with great intentions.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

04/03/25

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: 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

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