Joy

Play trailer

Joy

PG-13

2024

1h 55m

Biography

Drama

History

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

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.

Watch on Netflix

Stream Now

Critics Consensus

Handsomely made and given some verve by a deliciously dry Bill Nighy, Joy is an uplifting tribute to the miracles of science.

Read Critics Reviews

Tara Brady

Irish Times

Dec 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.

Go to Full Review

Matt Glasby

Empire Magazine

Dec 10, 2024

3/5

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

Go to Full Review

Amy Nicholson

FilmWeek (LAist)

Dec 5, 2024

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

Go to Full Review

Clotilde Chinnici

The People's Movies

Aug 18, 2025

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.

Go to Full Review

Will Bjarnar

Geek Vibes Nation

Jul 19, 2025

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.

Go to Full Review

Mary Ann Brussat

Spirituality & Practice

Dec 26, 2024

4/5

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

Go to Full Review

Read all reviews

Sharang L

@Scribe187 Sep 16, 2026

This is McKenzie's movie through and through. And of course, a fascinating true story.

See more

didier L

@RT18203544 May 26, 2026

''Joy is an inspiring and emotional movie that shows the challenges of chasing a dream while dealing with family pressure and personal struggles. The story feels motivating, and the strong performance from the lead actress makes the character easy to connect with. It has a good balance of drama, humor, and real-life lessons about persistence and believing in yourself. Definitely a movie that leaves you feeling encouraged by the end.

See more

Jonathan R

@RT27392036 Sep 23, 2025

The title says it all.

See more

Elisha I

@asapidox Sep 22, 2025

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.

See more

Kyle M

@RT77296778 Jun 22, 2025

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)

See more

Jerod S

@jeroduptown May 21, 2025

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.

See more

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

POST RATING

Ben Taylor

Director

Bill Nighy

Patrick Steptoe

James Norton

Robert Edwards

Thomasin McKenzie

Jean Purdy

Ella Bruccoleri

Lesley Brown

Cecily Cleeve

Caroline

Ford v Ferrari

92%

98%

Ford v Ferrari

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Ford v Ferrari

Cabrini

91%

98%

Cabrini

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Cabrini

I'm Still Here

97%

97%

I'm Still Here

Watchlist

TRAILER

for I'm Still Here

Rustin

83%

82%

Rustin

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Rustin

Sarah's Oil

86%

98%

Sarah's Oil

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Sarah's Oil

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

View more photos

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

Join The Newsletter

Join The Newsletter

Cookie Settings