Joy

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Joy

PG-13

2024

1h 55m

Biography

Drama

History

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Popcornmeter

89%

Tomatometer

55 Reviews

88%

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

12/12/2024

3.5/5

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.

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Matt Glasby

Empire Magazine

12/10/2024

3/5

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

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Amy Nicholson

FilmWeek (LAist)

12/05/2024

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

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Clotilde Chinnici

The People's Movies

Aug 18

3/5

It is far from being the best film of the year – or the best Netflix film at the London Film Festival – but the strong second act allows for an enjoyable watch.

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Will Bjarnar

Geek Vibes Nation

Jul 19

4.5/10

They feel as though they’ve been pulled directly from a Wikipedia page with little enhancement to develop a movie actually worth watching.

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Mary Ann Brussat

Spirituality & Practice

12/26/2024

4/5

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

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Jonathan R

@RT27392036 Sep 23

The title says it all.

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Elisha I

@asapidox Sep 22

Beautiful, moving, and deeply human. It’s one of those films that sneaks up on you emotionally—by the end I was completely floored. A story that feels both tender and powerful, leaving a lasting impression.

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Kyle M

@RT77296778 Jun 22

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)

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Jerod S

@jeroduptown May 21

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.

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William K

@Koolbill 05/08/2025

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

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Lyra C

@RT37864706 04/25/2025

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

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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