Joyland

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Joyland

Released Apr 7, 2023

2h 6m

Drama

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Popcornmeter

98%

Tomatometer

89 Reviews

75%

Popcornmeter

100+ Ratings

The Ranas--a happily patriarchal joint family--yearn for the birth of a baby boy to continue the family line. Their youngest son secretly joins an erotic dance theatre and falls for an ambitious trans starlet. Their impossible love story slowly illuminates the entire Rana family's desire for sexual rebellion.

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Critics Consensus

With stunning honesty that's achingly bittersweet, Joyland tackles gender and sexual fluidity in a repressed patriarchal society with wisps of hopefulness.

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Mark Jenkins

Washington Post

The theme of repression in a regimented society percolates throughout this melancholy and lovely Pakistani film.

Rated: 3.5/4

May 23, 2023

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Randy Myers

San Jose Mercury News

Ali Junejo’s performance ranks as one of the finest you’ll see in any year.

Rated: 3.5/4

May 17, 2023

Full Review

Hannah Bae

San Francisco Chronicle

What’s in a name? For Pakistani filmmaker Saim Sadiq, there’s so much meaning wrapped up in the title of his extraordinary debut feature, “Joyland.”

Rated: 4/4

May 17, 2023

Full Review

Alisha Mughal

The Asian Cut

One of those gems that, depending on where you are in your life, delivers a different message after every watch.

Aug 2, 2025

Full Review

Anna Hoang

Boston Hassle

When I think about JOYLAND long after watching it, the aftermath’s complexity can honestly be narrowed to the one trite but true: human.

Rated: 3.5/5

Jul 17, 2025

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Calum Cooper

The People's Movies

Director Saim Sadiq makes excellent use of melodrama and cinematography in order to convey his scathing critiques.

Rated: 4/5

Jul 17, 2024

Full Review

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Adam L

Absolutely incredible!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/22/23

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AYUSH C

Good as expected nice showcase of patriarchial society.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/03/25

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dave d

Pakistani dramatic features aren't always on our radar and this isn't going to make us change our mind. It is fine, well-made, for certain, but lacking something to bring it all together. Weak-minded people who are poor. Sad, but a film it doesn't make. Artsy, but conceptually flawed. Final Score: 5.3/10

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

03/28/24

Full Review

Sameir A

Step into the enchanting world of 'Joyland,' a cinematic masterpiece directed by the talented debutant Saim Sadiq. This 2022 Pakistani film has earned accolades at prestigious international film festivals such as Cannes and the Toronto International Film Festival, capturing hearts and minds with its profound narrative. Set against a backdrop of human relations, love, affection, and desire, 'Joyland' delicately explores the intricacies of life. What sets it apart is its ability to seamlessly integrate these complex themes without imposing, creating a harmonious and beautiful cinematic experience. The casting is nothing short of extraordinary; each actor seamlessly embodies their character, leaving you feeling as though no other option could have been as perfect. The film not only tells a compelling story but immerses you in a world where every emotion is felt deeply. For lovers of cinema, 'Joyland' is an absolute must-watch. Missing out would be a great loss. Don't let this cinematic gem slip through the cracks. #KiduMovie

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/20/23

Full Review

Ali A

Finally a movie with depth and a unique story with beautiful cinematography and heart.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/11/23

Full Review

Christy C

Very deep movie. All the characters feel authentic and unique. Loved all the story lines.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

08/28/24

Full Review

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Saim Sadiq

Director

Ali Junejo

Haider

Rasti Farooq

Mumtaz

Alina Khan

Biba

Sarwat Gilani

Nucchi

Salmaan Peerzada

Rana Amanullah

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Joyland: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

The Ranas--a happily patriarchal joint family--yearn for the birth of a baby boy to continue the family line. Their youngest son secretly joins an erotic dance theatre and falls for an ambitious trans starlet. Their impossible love story slowly illuminates the entire Rana family's desire for sexual rebellion.

Director: Saim Sadiq
Producer: Apoorva Guru Charan, Sarmad Sultan Khoosat, Sabiha Sumar, Lauren Mann, Kathryn M. Moseley, Oliver Ridge, April Shih, Katharina Otto-Bernstein
Screenwriter: Maggie Briggs, Saim Sadiq
Distributor: Oscilloscope Laboratories
Production Co: All Caps, Khoosat Films, Extracurricular Productions, Left Handed Films, Diversity Hire, One Two Twenty Entertainment, Blood Moon Creative, Film Manufacturers, Astrakan Film AB, Noruz Films, Vidhi Films, Instinct Productions
Genre: Drama
Original Language: Urdu
Release Date (Theaters): Apr 7, 2023, Limited
Runtime: 2h 6m

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