The Quiet Revolution: Why ‘Joy’ Understands How Hard It Is To Live With A Female Body

Movies resonate deeply with our emotions, experiences, and memories, often leaving a lasting impression through their ability to capture feelings or reflect seldom-seen aspects of our lives. Sometimes, their impact lies in timing or relatable characters and themes, connecting with us on a human level.  ‘Joy’, the new British medical drama on Netflix, exemplifies this connection by exploring the revolutionary journey of in vitro fertilization (IVF). Directed by Ben Taylor, the film chronicles the decade-long struggle of researchers Robert Edwards (James Norton), Patrick Steptoe (Bill Nighy), and Jean Purdy (Thomasin McKenzie) to make IVF a reality. Faced with scientific setbacks, ethical dilemmas, and fierce societal opposition, the trio persevered, driven by a vision to bring hope to couples unable to conceive.

What sets this apart from other biopics is its focus on the humanity behind the science. Jean Purdy, often overlooked, played a pivotal role, observing the first human embryo cell divisions and laying the foundation for the birth of Louise Brown, the first “test-tube baby,” in 1978. Her contributions highlight the unacknowledged role of women in ground-breaking discoveries and the resilience required to overcome systemic barriers. Based on true events, the story sheds light on the sacrifices and determination behind one of the 20th century’s most significant medical innovations. It’s a celebration of perseverance, vision, and the human cost of progress. For many, especially young women, the film serves as an inspiring reminder of what can be achieved through unwavering dedication. It especially honours the profound impact of science on human lives and the unsung heroes behind these advances. Whether for its historical significance or emotional depth and a poignant testament to resilience and the enduring power of connection.

The film is hardly a groundbreaking cinematic experience – it plays things safe and could have taken more risks. A documentary might have been just as impactful. Yet, for personal reasons, I’m profoundly grateful Netflix is shining a light on this topic, ensuring that more people pay attention to the history of In-vitro Fertilization (IVF) and its profound impact on lives like mine.

190 million women worldwide suffer from this chronic disease in which tissue, similar to the lining of the uterus, grows in the abdomen or organs and can cause unbearable pain. Endometriosis has many faces. The symptoms vary and range from lower abdominal pain to involuntary childlessness. An estimated ten to 15 percent of all women of childbearing age are affected by endometriosis – some of them do not even notice their illness, others suffer from severe pain or a variety of other symptoms. Unwanted childlessness is also associated with endometriosis. As the disease is difficult to diagnose and manifests itself with different symptoms and degrees of severity, it is often referred to as the “chameleon of gynaecology”. Affected women often have a long ordeal behind them before they receive a diagnosis. The cause of the disease is largely unknown, so that treatments have so far been limited to alleviating the symptoms – and Jean Purdy, the main character of this film, suffers the same fate, in which she first has to deal with an odyssey of pain and doubt before she receives her diagnosis. Thomasin McKenzie delivers a standout performance with her vulnerability and concern in her eyes, voicing the frustrations many women face with societal expectations around fertility. She reminds us that women are often expected to bear children effortlessly, no matter the physical or emotional cost. Jean Purdy’s story is particularly meaningful to women battling conditions like endometriosis. She not only blazed a trail in a male-dominated field but worked tirelessly to challenge the limits society and biology imposed on women’s bodies.

Living with endometriosis is an experience shaped by chronic pain, resilience, and persistent hope. As someone living with this condition since I’ve been a teenager, I have faced the uncertainty and heartbreak that comes with trying to conceive. Doctors told me my blocked fallopian tubes and damaged reproductive organs made natural conception unlikely. For years, I felt as though my body had betrayed me. For women like me, conceiving naturally is often a monumental struggle, turning dreams of motherhood into an uncertain and emotionally taxing process. IVF represents more than a medical solution – it’s a lifeline. Fortunately, however, there are more and more well-known personalities who are paying attention to this issue, most recently Florence Pugh, but also Halsey, Susan Sarandon, Lena Dunham, Amy Schumer and Daisy Ridley are advocating for more visibility in public.

For those of us navigating the complex intersection of chronic illness and infertility, Purdy’s work is a powerful reminder that hope, while fragile, is not impossible. It beautifully captures this sentiment, celebrating the perseverance of women who refused to let their dreams be defined by limitations. What strikes me most in particular about Jean Purdy’s story is how her contributions were undervalued during her lifetime. Despite her critical role in the first successful IVF birth, her name was often left out of accolades and historical accounts. This mirrors a broader pattern I’ve seen in my own life and the lives of many other women with endometriosis: the invisibility of our pain and contributions. The lack of awareness and research funding reflects the same systemic disregard that allowed Purdy’s name to be omitted from the Nobel Prize awarded to her colleague Robert Edwards. Her story is a reminder that we must fight for recognition – not just for ourselves, but for all the women who come after us.

While the film may not break cinematic barriers, its importance lies in its message and delivers a heartfelt tribute to those who changed lives – not just through medical breakthroughs, but through their determination to give others the chance to rewrite their stories. For anyone curious to learn more about the history and impact of IVF, ‘Joy’ is a must-watch for everybody who loves and supports women and a poignant reminder that even in the face of immense obstacles, miracles are possible.’