Netflix Sets a November Premiere Date for Historical IVF Drama 'Joy'

Netflix has set a November release date for Joy, its accidentally timely forthcoming period film about the historical origins of in vitro fertilization. For those who aren't aware, IVF was pioneered in Britain, and Louise Joy Brown, the world's first "test-tube" baby, was born in 1978 at Oldham General Hospital in Greater Manchester. (Her middle name is the inspiration for the title of this film.) Her parents, Lesley and John, had been trying to conceive for nearly a decade, but Lesley faced physical problems from blocked fallopian tubes. Obstetrician Patrick Steptoe, biologist Robert Edwards, and nurse Jean Purdy developed the procedure, which was subsequently lauded as one of "the most remarkable medical breakthroughs of the 20th Century". Louise Brown celebrated her 40th birthday in 2018, and Dr. Edwards attended her wedding when she married in 2004.

As the only surviving member of the partnership, Edwards was awarded the 2010 Nobel Price in Physiology or Medicine for his work on in vitro fertilization; sadly, Purdy and Steptoe, who passed away in 1985 and 1988, respectively, were not eligible for consideration as the award is not bestowed posthumously. 

“It took Rachel and I seven rounds of IVF to have Elliott, so when the opportunity came to tell the story of the pioneers, I jumped at the chance," Thorne said in a statement when the film was first announced. "The more we discovered, the more amazed we were at the audacity of the science and the lack of support from the scientific community. It is an incredible story.” The film will hold its world premiere at the BFI London Film Festival in October before arriving on Netflix later in the year.

“I am truly honored that my debut film, Joy, will receive its world premiere at this year’s BFI London Film Festival,” Taylor said. “This is a far too little-known story of British scientific achievement and it feels perfect to celebrate these three maverick pioneers – and their world-changing innovation of IVF – here at home.”

Here’s the film’s 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 fertilisation (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 realise their dream, and in doing so allowed millions of people to dream with them.

The film stars Bill Nighy (The Beautiful Game) as Steptoe, James Norton (Happy Valley) as Edwards, and Thomasin McKenzie (Totally Completely Fine) as Purdy. It follows the complicated story of their decade-long journey to make a miracle possible. Other cast members are reported to include Charlie Murphy (Obsession), Douggie McMeekin (The Decameron), Rish Shah (Ms. Marvel), Eion Duffy (The Dry), and Cecily Cleeve (The Marvels). 

Joy is directed by Ben Taylor (Sex Education) from a script by Jack Thorne (Help), who developed the story alongside his wife, Rachel Mason. The film is produced by Finola Dwyer and Amanda Posey of the U.K.’s Wildgaze, best known for prestige U.K. features like An Education with Carey Mulligan. Cameron McCracken is an executive producer for Pathe. 

Joy will premiere at the London Film Festival in October before arriving on Netflix on Friday, November 22, 2024.