‘Excellent’ period drama based on true story ideal for Call the Midwife fans
Netflix’s biographical drama ‘Joy’ starring Thomasin McKenzie and James Norton has been hailed as a “masterpiece” by viewers, with fans left “in buckets of tears” by the inspiring true story of IVF pioneers
Netflix’s Joy stars Bill Nighy, James Norton and Thomasin McKenzie. (Image: NETFLIX)
An “absolute must watch” period drama has quietly cast an Other Bennet Sister icon. “Beautiful” period dramas remain undeniably popular with audiences, as Enola Holmes, Wuthering Heights and Call the Midwife continue the legacy established by the iconic Downton Abbey.
However, Netflix subscribers may have overlooked this “feel good” film inspired by an “inspiring” true story from the 1960s and 1970s. The biographical drama chronicles the extraordinary story behind the development of IVF (In Vitro Fertilization), documenting the remarkable decades-long efforts of three medical pioneers. The 2024 Netflix film in question is Joy, a nearly two-hour production featuring an array of British talent, including a Happy Valley legend.
Other Bennet Sister and Call the Midwife star Ella Bruccoleri plays Lesley Brown, the first woman to successfully give birth via IVF. (Image: GETTY)
Jojo Rabbit actress Thomasin McKenzie heads the cast as embryologist Jean Purdy who sits at the centre of the research team.
She is joined by passionate scientist Dr Robert Edwards, brought to life by Happy Valley villain James Norton and innovative surgeon Patrick Steptoe, played by Love Actually’s Bill Nighy.
They are joined by none other than Other Bennet Sister’s leading lady and Call the Midwife star Ella Bruccoleri as Lesley Brown, the first woman to successfully give birth via IVF.
Other unforgettable stars include Derry Girls’ Louisa Harland, Riot Women’s Joanna Scanlan and Peaky Blinders actress Charlie Murphy.
Netflix fans are hailing this period drama a “real tearjerker”. (Image: NETFLIX)
Period drama enthusiasts have flocked to IMdB to declare that Joy is an “absolute must-watch” on Netflix. Describing it as a “masterpiece”, one viewer enthused: “So in love with this great movie! I really think it was a masterpiece.
“As a woman that can relate, this really moved me. So much feelings.”
Another declared it the “best film in a long time” before emotionally revealing: “I was in buckets of tears. It is a real tear jerker if you can relate.”
They were far from alone, as yet another concurred that they “cried like a baby”, while somebody else characterised it as “insanely heartwarming, inspiring and beautiful”.
A fellow viewer chimed in: “The film is excellent and all the acting superb! A very definite ‘feel good’ film.”
Joy is available to watch on Netflix.
