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The Netflix drama Joy – based on the hard-fought true story behind the conception of IVF – hits all the right notes in this little-known retelling of revolutionary science.
It’s no easy task to dramatise the decade-long scientific, and social, struggle to bring in-vitro fertilization (IVF) into existence but director Ben Taylor and his powerhouse trio, James Norton, Bill Nighy and Thomasin McKenzie, give it their best shot.
In the movie, our protagonists play the complex humans hidden within our three ‘test-tube baby’ trailblazers – young nurse Jean Purdy (Thomasin), ambitious scientist Robert ‘Bob’ Edwards (James) and seasoned obstetrician Dr Robert Steptoe (Bill).
They are all united by one aim: to make the impossible, possible.
Reminiscent of stalwart British historic dramas such as The Imitation Game and Theory of Everything, this is a real salt-of-the-earth drama with several endearing qualities to keep you hooked.
A world-changing scientific discovery; an overlooked woman only getting her flowers decades on; and a socio-political controversy at the core of this film that saw our pioneers face down the conservative (and religious) values of 1970s Britain.
Joy tells the remarkable tale of the birth of the first baby from IVF – Louise Joy Brown (Picture: Kerry Brown/Netflix)
Although nowadays IVF is an increasingly common part of the conversation in women’s healthcare – with over 12 million babies born through this avenue since its creation – this was not always the case.
There was troubling pushback from the science world, the British healthcare system and local communities resistant to change which made the hopes of IVF ever coming into existence a pipe dream for several years.
But Joy is a story of resilience, determination, and immeasurable patience (as is the case for most strides forward that humanity dares to take.)
As Jean, Bob and Dr Steptoe cram themselves into a dilapidated hospital ward in Oldham, it is a startling reminder that these tales of innovation are far from glamourous.
All three actors hold their own onscreen with a fearless and unflinching performance, and their chemistry together is delightful.
The Happy Valley actor, 39, encapsulates Bob’s headstrong, blunt and contrary personality with ease, teasing out fleeting moments of tenderness to keep you rooting for him
Our trio each make their character their own (Picture: Kerry Brown/Netflix)
And share a beautiful chemistry onscreen (Picture: Kerry Brown/Netflix)
Meanwhile, 74-year-old screen actor infuses his long-held charisma into the surgeon (notably the only Doctor in the hospital who provides abortion healthcare to those in need of it).
As expected, Bill emanates a warmth and steadiness that acts as a harbour when the plot occasionally loses its momentum.
Most important of all, however, is Thomasin’s effort.
A timeline of IVF’s creation
1968-1969: Jean Purdy, Robert ‘Bob’ Edwards and Dr Robert Steptoe started their collaboration by attempting to successful retrieve and fertilise a human egg cell
1970 – 1975: Jean, Bob and Robert officially moved to Dr. Kershaw’s Cottage …read more
Source:: Metro
