Project Detail

Joy

Synopsis

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 it took 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.
Official Selection BFI London Film Festival 2024 - World premiere

Details

Year
2024
Type of project
Features
Running time
113 min
Director
Ben Taylor 1st Feature
Producer
Finola Dwyer, Amanda Posey
Executive Producer
Cameron McCracken
Editor
David Webb
Screenwriter
Jack Thorne, Rachel Mason (Story by)
Director of Photography
Jamie Cairney
Production Designer
Alice Normington
Principal cast
Thomasin McKenzie, James Norton, Bill Nighy

Genre

Categories

Production Status

Page updates

This page was last updated on 12th May 2025. Please let us know if we need to make any amendments or request edit access by clicking below.

See also

You may also be interested in other relevant projects in the database.

Let It Come Down Let It Come Down

Director: Anna Fredrikke Bjerke

Year: 2026

A couple travels to a secluded family home to restore it ahead of an appraisal survey. But their weekend is interrupted by an unexpected visitor whose presence tests the limits of mutual desire and causes passions to collide, leading to fatal consequences.

A man is performing a song at a karaoke bar. Life of the Party

Director: Joseph Cummings

Year: 2026

A lonely, aging karaoke bar-owner attempts to make friends with a group of young men that enter his club. As his advances fall flat, his behaviour grows increasingly desperate.

Two women hold each other's gaze and hands with a gift box between them. Fish & Chips

Director: Macadie Amoroso

Year: 2026

Fab plans a surprise for Cassie on their first anniversary, but Cassie's rough day, coupled with a party popper mishap, leads to a heated argument over dinner options. What starts as a takeaway tiff over Caribbean or pizza spirals into an identity battle, revealing deep-seated resentments about their racial and queer identities. With half of the film shot in one take, FISH & CHIPS is a tender, unflinching exploration of mixed-heritage identity, queer love, and the fine line between connection and conflict. Official Selection BFI Flare London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival 2026