A most English movie replete with restrained acting performances and muted drama and lush countryside and old-school laboratories, Joy recounts the story of the birth of Louise Brown, the world’s first IVF baby, in 1978. Spanning a decade, the movie revolves around the trio of maverick biologist Robert Edwards (a wonderful slightly neurodivergent performance by James Norton), obstetrician Patrick Steptoe (with Bill Nighy perfectly cast: dry-witted, fustily elegant, morally strong), and embryologist nurse Jean Purdy (a sparkling subtle portrayal by Thomasin McKenzie). It might be difficult for a young person of today to comprehend the controversial nature of their long, difficult journey and the reactionary bile thrown at the trio … but no, we still see the same demonization occurring in the U.S. abortion battles. Jack Thorne’s script is clean and builds gradually to the climactic birth scene, retaining suspense throughout, and the sentimentality that creeps in feels entirely justified. Biopic-style movies like this often discard vibrant story techniques but Joy works quietly yet beautifully, producing a minor triumph.
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