Movie review
November 15, 2024 · 115 min · PG-13
Woke Score
Lower is better
Review
Joy is a 2024 British biographical drama about the real team that developed IVF and delivered the world’s first test-tube baby, Louise Brown, in 1978. It follows nurse and embryologist Jean Purdy, scientist Robert Edwards, and surgeon Patrick Steptoe through a decade of lab work, failed attempts, and pushback from the church, media, medical groups, and public fears of “playing God.” The film centers Purdy’s role, which was historically downplayed, and draws from the writer’s own family experience with IVF.
Breakdown
These are the editorial factors and ratings behind our score for Joy.
Woke representation / casting
Prominent roles cast to match historical figures with no visible identity swaps or signaling. Supporting cast includes modest ethnic diversity typical for contemporary British productions and consistent with the casting director’s advocacy for inclusive choices, but not foregrounded or mismatched to the 1960s-1970s UK medical setting.
Woke political dialogue
Dialogue centers on scientific ethics, personal faith conflicts with “playing God,” and opposition to new reproductive technology in its historical 1970s context. No modern activist slogans or identity-based arguments detected.
Identity-driven story themes
The narrative centers Jean Purdy and restores recognition for her real but historically minimized contributions as a woman in early embryology and IVF development. It also touches on reproductive choice and personal infertility struggles, drawing from the writer’s lived experience. This gives mild weight to gender and personal autonomy themes without strong modern identity politics framing.
Western institutional / cultural critique
Depicts the church, media, medical establishment, and public opinion as major obstacles driven by religious and ethical fears of interfering with nature. The story frames the pioneers as heroic against this conservative resistance. While rooted in documented history, the emphasis on institutional opposition to scientific progress carries some resonance with contemporary cultural debates around reproductive technology.
Production
Woke character or canon changes
Not relevant. The film adheres closely to documented history, accurately portraying real individuals and events while highlighting Purdy’s authentic role without ideological alterations or invented elements.
Anti-woke backlash and complaints
Searches across news and social media reveal no notable anti-woke or right-leaning backlash accusing the film of pushing DEI, identity politics, or left-wing propaganda. Reception focuses on its historical and inspirational qualities, with minimal politicized complaints.
Creator track record context
Writer Jack Thorne has a documented history of advocating for disabled inclusion in media and has spoken on transgender issues. Producer Cameron McCracken has credits on socially themed projects including LGBTQ+ stories. Casting director Lucy Bevan actively promotes diversity in casting. Other team members show lighter or no such patterns. The personal IVF experience of Thorne and his wife appears to be the primary driver for this project over broader activism.
