Ben Taylor’s _Joy_ examines the frequently disregarded story of Jean Purdy, a vital participant in the development of in vitro fertilisation (IVF). The movie not only illuminates Purdy's often-overlooked involvement but also functions as an examination of the long history of undervaluing women’s contributions to scientific advancements. It intends to restore a narrative that has historically minimized the roles played by women in such important developments. Taylor’s direction follows the development of IVF using techniques similar to those found in sports movies. Even though viewers are aware of the eventual outcome—more than two million children have been conceived through IVF since 1979—the movie draws you into the successes and setbacks, the peaks and valleys, that led to the birth of Louise Brown, the world's first "test-tube baby." Thomasin McKenzie’s performance as Purdy is a highlight, adding nuance to a character who confronted considerable professional and personal obstacles. Bill Nighy provides a noteworthy portrayal as surgeon Patrick Steptoe, combining compassion with humor. James Norton also brings warmth to his role as scientist Robert Edwards. The three of them together portray the tension, teamwork, and resolve necessary to challenge both societal and scientific conventions. The film’s strength is its emphasis on the procedural advancements and the emotional and ethical questions faced by those involved. It presents IVF as a shared struggle against ingrained biases, interweaving moments of victory with the difficult realities of rejection and doubt. However, certain aspects of the storytelling feel shallow, and it needs to explore more fully the complexities of its characters. The undervaluing of women in science and medicine remains an ongoing problem; historically, many female scientists have been overshadowed by men. For instance, Rosalind Franklin's essential work uncovering DNA’s structure was largely attributed to James Watson and Francis Crick. Similarly, _Hidden Figures_ revealed the remarkable contributions of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson—African-American mathematicians at NASA—whose efforts were critical to the space program but went unrecognized for many years. _Joy_ is a worthy attempt to bring attention to an important person and the perseverance needed behind one of modern medicine’s significant achievements. Despite some shortcomings, it succeeds in bringing Purdy's legacy into focus and highlighting the essential role women play in scientific innovation, making sure their contributions are finally recognized.

Source on TMDB