James Norton Bill Nighy film ‘Joy’ set to premiere at BFI London Film Festival

The upcoming Netflix film Joy will have its world premiere at the BFI London Film Festival as the Cunard Gala screening. The film stars James Norton (Grantchester), Bill Nighy (Love Actually) and Thomasin McKenzie (Jojo Rabbit). It was directed by Ben Taylor (Sex Education).

What is it about?

Joy is the true story of the ten-year journey of a young nurse, a visionary scientist and an innovative surgeon whose determination to create the world’s first ‘test-tube’ baby brings them up against the church, state, media and medical establishment. As a result of their efforts, Louise Brown was conceived by in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) and was born in 1978.

According to the official synopsis:

 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.

Watch the trailer here:

Who is behind it?

Joy was written by Jack Thorne, based on a story developed by Thorne and Rachel Mason. It was produced by Finola Dwyer and Amanda Posey (Brooklyn, An Education), with Cameron McCracken acting as Executive Producer. 

When can we watch it?

It will have an initial cinema release in the UK and Ireland on November 15th and will then become available to stream on Netflix.