Netflix’s ‘Joy’ Review: A Heartwarming Yet Flawed IVF Biopic with Depth

In recent years, biopics have surged in popularity, with filmmakers turning to real-life events to capture the drama and triumphs of historical figures. Following in the wake of cinematic giants like Oppenheimer, Netflix’s Joy takes on a more understated, though no less significant, subject matter: the journey to develop in-vitro fertilization (IVF). Directed by Ben Taylor, known for his work on British TV hits like Sex Education, this film delves into the lives of three pioneers Jean Purdy, Dr. Bob Edwards, and Dr. Patrick Steptoe who spearheaded the revolutionary procedure that has since transformed the world of reproductive medicine.

While Joy manages to be touching and informative, it struggles with tone, often oscillating between sentimental whimsy and the hard-hitting realities of infertility and scientific perseverance. The film’s intention to be uplifting, while admirable, sometimes comes at the expense of deeper emotional and scientific exploration. In this review, we’ll break down the highs and lows of Joy, from its charming performances to its narrative pitfalls.

A Tale of Groundbreaking Medical Innovation

At its core, Joy is about one of the most significant breakthroughs in modern medicine: the development of IVF. What started as a medical curiosity became a life-changing procedure that, since the birth of Louise Joy Brown the first so-called “test-tube baby” has helped millions of families worldwide conceive children against the odds.

The film follows the journey of Jean Purdy (played by Thomasin McKenzie), a young nurse who becomes deeply involved in the research spearheaded by Dr. Bob Edwards (James Norton) and Dr. Patrick Steptoe (Bill Nighy). Set in 1960s England, IVF is still in its nascent stages, viewed with suspicion by the public, the medical community, and the church. The team faces constant backlash, with accusations of “playing God” and fears that the procedure would result in unnatural, malformed babies. Through trials, failures, and moments of hope, the trio endures a decade-long battle to make IVF a reality.

While the film covers the scientific challenges and public opposition, it doesn’t shy away from the deeply personal stakes involved. For Jean, the research isn’t just a professional endeavour it’s an emotional one. As a woman who faces her own fertility challenges, she represents the millions of hopeful mothers who pin their dreams on IVF.

Jean Purdy A Woman at the Heart of IVF’s Development

One of the strengths of Joy is its decision to center the story around Jean Purdy. Historically, women’s contributions to science have often been overshadowed, and Joy seeks to correct this by placing Jean at the forefront. Played with sincerity and heart by Thomasin McKenzie, Jean is portrayed as both an unsung hero and the emotional core of the story. She’s not merely a background player supporting her male colleagues her role is pivotal in the IVF research.

Jean’s character brings a fresh perspective to the often male-dominated narratives of scientific discovery. Her personal stake in the research, stemming from her own struggles with infertility and her devout Christian upbringing, adds layers of complexity to her journey. The film does a commendable job of showing how deeply her involvement affects her life, from strained relationships with her conservative mother to her quiet hopes of one day having a family of her own.

However, the film doesn’t delve as deeply into Jean’s inner life as it could have. While her dedication to the cause is clear, the emotional toll of her struggles is often glossed over in favor of lighter moments or comedic beats. For instance, her relationship with junior doctor Arun (Rish Shah) feels underdeveloped, serving more as a subplot than a fully realized narrative thread. Jean’s eventual admission of her own fertility struggles comes late in the film, almost as an afterthought, when it could have provided much-needed depth to her character earlier on.

A Lighter Tone for a Serious Subject

One of the more puzzling aspects of Joy is its tone. Given the weighty subject matter infertility, scientific failure, and public backlash the film often adopts a whimsical, light hearted approach that feels at odds with its themes. Director Ben Taylor, known for his work in comedy, brings a certain levity to the story, but this comes at a cost.

Throughout the film, moments that should carry emotional weight are undercut by humour or sentimentality. For example, when Bob Edwards is called “Dr. Frankenstein” by a tabloid, a moment that should highlight the gravity of public perception, it’s quickly diffused by a joke from Bob’s wife about giving him extra custard. Similarly, after a failed funding attempt, the team exchanges quips and jokes as though the stakes aren’t life-altering.

This lightness, while making the film more accessible, risks trivializing the real struggles faced by the characters. IVF, especially in the 1960s and 1970s, was a controversial, emotionally fraught endeavour. The scientific failures were devastating for both the researchers and the women hoping for a miracle. By opting for a more playful tone, Joy sometimes feels like it’s skimming the surface of these deeper emotions.

The Science Behind the Success

Despite its tonal inconsistencies, Joy does an admirable job of explaining the scientific process behind IVF. The film takes the viewer through the painstaking trials and errors that marked the early days of the research. From harvesting eggs from hamsters to the challenges of human trials, the film doesn’t shy away from the complexities of the procedure.

However, it’s here that Joy falters in its execution. While the science is explained, it’s often done in a way that feels overly simplistic, as though the filmmakers are afraid the audience won’t grasp the details. There are moments where the film tells rather than shows, with characters explicitly stating what’s happening rather than allowing the audience to piece it together through the narrative or performances.

For example, when a breakthrough occurs, a character enthusiastically exclaims, “Whatever it is, it’s working!” rather than letting the scene unfold naturally. This approach can feel patronizing to viewers, especially those familiar with the scientific aspects of IVF. It’s a missed opportunity for the film to embrace a more nuanced storytelling style, allowing the audience to engage more deeply with the material.

Bill Nighy’s Standout Performance

While Joy is a film with several standout performances, Bill Nighy’s portrayal of Dr. Patrick Steptoe is particularly noteworthy. Nighy brings his trademark wit and charm to the role, balancing the film’s lighter moments with a sense of gravitas that’s often missing elsewhere. His character, though gruff and world-weary, is deeply committed to the IVF cause, and Nighy’s performance captures both the emotional and intellectual weight of that dedication.

In contrast to the more playful performances of McKenzie and Norton, Nighy grounds the film, reminding the audience of the very real stakes involved in the research. His dynamic with the other characters, particularly Jean, adds a layer of depth to the film’s exploration of teamwork, ambition, and the sacrifices made for scientific progress.

Female Representation in a Male-Dominated Field

One of Joy’s most commendable aspects is its portrayal of women in science, specifically highlighting Jean Purdy’s role in IVF development. In many biopics, the focus tends to be on the male figures at the forefront of scientific discovery, with women relegated to secondary roles. Joy seeks to break that mold by giving Jean a prominent place in the narrative.

This shift in focus is not only refreshing but necessary, as it sheds light on the contributions of women like Jean, who have often been overlooked in historical accounts. While Bob and Patrick are undoubtedly central to the story, the film makes it clear that without Jean’s dedication and emotional intelligence, IVF might not have progressed as it did. The film also touches on the struggles faced by the women undergoing IVF treatment, though these characters are, unfortunately, underdeveloped.

Emotional Resonance and Missed Opportunities

While Joy has its heart in the right place, aiming to tell an uplifting story about perseverance and scientific achievement, it sometimes falls short in delivering the emotional depth that the subject matter deserves. The film’s lighter tone, while accessible, often prevents it from fully exploring the darker, more challenging aspects of infertility and the emotional toll it takes on both the researchers and the women hoping for a miracle.

One of the most poignant moments comes towards the end when Jean confesses to her mother that she’s been trying to conceive for years, hoping that by some chance, she would become pregnant. This revelation adds a layer of personal tragedy to Jean’s character, but it comes so late in the film that it feels somewhat abrupt. Had this emotional thread been woven more thoroughly throughout the narrative, it could have added a much-needed layer of complexity to Jean’s character and the overall story.

Joy is a well-meaning and heartwarming film that tells an important story about one of the most significant medical breakthroughs of the 20th century. While its lighter tone and whimsical moments make it an accessible watch, they sometimes detract from the emotional and scientific depth that the story warrants. The performances, particularly from Bill Nighy and Thomasin McKenzie, are commendable, and the film’s focus on female representation in science is a refreshing change. However, Joy ultimately feels like a missed opportunity to fully explore the emotional and scientific complexities of IVF, opting instead for a more straightforward, crowd-pleasing approach.