'Insanely heartwarming' Netflix period drama hailed an 'absolute must watch'

Netflix viewers have been raving about a period drama film based on an incredible true story, as others have enjoyeda "compelling" historical drama and some have praised a "dazzling" period piece.

The film came out last year but may have gone under the radar for some, however, others have left glowing reviews on IMDb.

One person posted in their 10/10 review: “Insanely heartwarming, inspiring and Beautiful.

“Loved every second of it, pacing was perfect. Narrative moved so smoothly filled with emotion and human beauty. In a world filled with harm and brutality, stories like these renews my faith in humanity and its purity to make good.”

A second reviewer described it as “an important movie” in their 10/10 critique and added: “Thank you so much to the filmmakers and actors who gave world-class performances. I can't fault the movie at all. It's a must-watch.”

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A third top-rated review declared the film “an absolute must-watch” and said: “This is a movie you can watch over and over and not get bored.”

A fourth person praised the film as “a moving story” and lauded the cast: “The lead actors all gave excellent performances and the story was well told.”

Someone else wrote in their 10/10 review: “The film is excellent and all the acting superb! A very definite 'feel good' film.”

Another top-tier review described it as a “beautiful film” and explained: “As someone who is currently 34 weeks pregnant through IVF after years of infertility, I found this film deeply moving and beautifully documented. It gave me a renewed appreciation for the people who have made IVF possible.”

Joy on Netflix was based on the true story of three pioneering British scientists Jean Purdy (played by Thomasin McKenzie), Robert Edwards (James Norton), and Patrick Steptoe (Bill Nighy), who developed IVF during the 1960s and 70s against fierce opposition and gave hope to millions of people around the world.

The scientists worked together at the University of Cambridge on the groundbreaking reproduction research to pave the way for IVF.

Joy charts not only their research but how their personal lives were affected by their work, with many detractors branding them ‘Frankenstein’ and shunning them.

Joy centres on nurse and embryologist Purdy, whose contributions to IVF have been forgotten and shine a spotlight on her work.

Along with the three leads, the movie boasts a stellar supporting cast, including Pride and Prejudice’s Adrian Lukis, Ruth Madeley of Years and Years fame, Joanna Scanlan from The Thick of It, Silo star Tanya Moodie, Charlie Murphy from Peaky Blinders, Bridgerton’s Harriet Cains, The Crown star Pip Torrens, Derry Girls star Louisa Harland, and Ella Bruccoleri from Call the Midwife, among many others.

The movie was co-created by acclaimed screenwriter Jack Thorne and his partner Rachel Mason, who researched and worked on it during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Joy was also a very personal project for the couple, who conceived a child through IVF, Netflix’s Tudum reported.

Mason told the outlet: “Like so many women, [Purdy’s] role had been overlooked.

“It’s a story that hadn’t been told, and both Bob [Edwards] and Patrick [Steptoe] were very keen that Jean was recognized [sic].”

Joy is streaming on Netflix now