Netflix's 'Joy' Illuminates the Birth of IVF and Jean Purdy's Overlooked Legacy

The film recounts the struggles of three British pioneers who developed in vitro fertilization, focusing on the vital yet long-ignored contributions of embryologist Jean Purdy.

The movie 'Joy' tells the true story of the development of IVF in the 1960s and 1970s, culminating in the birth of Louise Joy Brown, the world's first IVF baby, in 1978.
Jean Purdy, an embryologist and nurse, is highlighted as a central figure whose contributions to the breakthrough were historically overlooked, with her name only added to a commemorative plaque in 2015.
The film explores the trio's decade-long battle against societal, religious, and scientific opposition to IVF, including being labeled as 'Frankenstein' by critics and shunned by institutions like the Church.
Directed by Ben Taylor and written by Jack Thorne and Rachel Mason, the movie draws on personal IVF experiences of its creators, adding emotional depth to the narrative.
The release of 'Joy' coincides with current debates over access to fertility treatments, emphasizing the enduring relevance of the pioneering work depicted in the film.