Joy on Netflix release date and cast as inspirational film tells true story

The highly anticipated film Joy is set to arrive on soon, telling the poignant true story of three trailblazers in the fields of health and science who worked tirelessly to give infertile women the chance to become mothers. Set in the 1960s and 1970s, the drama boasts an all-star cast portraying real-life heroes.

The movie recounts the remarkable story behind the pioneering birth of Louise Joy Brown, the world's first 'test-tube baby', in 1978. It follows the decade-long journey of three dedicated experts who cracked the code of infertility by developing in vitro fertilisation (IVF).

The narrative is presented through the eyes of Jean Purdy, a young nurse and embryologist who teamed up with scientist Robert Edwards and surgeon Patrick Steptoe. According to the synopsis, "Joy celebrates the power of perseverance and the wonders of science."

"For a decade of dizzying highs and lows, we follow this trio of visionary mavericks as they collectively overcome incredible obstacles and opposition to achieve their dream and in doing so, enable millions of people to share their dream."

Here's everything you need to know about the film's release date and its star-studded cast.

When will Joy be available on Netflix?

Joy initially premiered in select UK and Irish cinemas on November 15, before its global Netflix release on November 22.

New titles typically become available at midnight for US viewers, while UK audiences may have to wait until 8am on the day of release. The script for the film was penned by Jack Thorne, who developed the story alongside his wife Rachel Mason.

The couple revealed that their personal journey through IVF to conceive their son heavily influenced the project.

In an interview with The Guardian, he shared: "It took Rachel [a comedy agent] and me seven rounds of IVF to have Elliott. What started as a journey where we told everyone, and almost celebrated doing it, became a brutal and dark time."

"Two years after we had him, Rach told me she'd been ready to leave me had IVF not worked for us. She wanted me to have a child and decided I wanted and needed children more than I wanted and needed her. This wasn't true. But it was what she was thinking."

Who's starring in Joy?

Bill Nighy takes on the role of Patrick Steptoe, an obstetrician and gynaecologist who played a key role in the development of IVF.

Bill, a multi-award-winning actor, was most recently seen in The First Omen and The Beautiful Game.

The 74-year-old was previously in a relationship with English actress Diana Quick, with whom he has a daughter, Mary, who also pursued a career in acting.

They parted ways in 2008.

Thomasin McKenzie portrays Jean Purdy, a British nurse, embryologist and pioneer of fertility treatment.

The 24-year-old New Zealand actress is recognised for her roles in Jojo Rabbit and Eileen.

She is the offspring of actress Miranda Harcourt.

James Norton plays Robert Edwards, a physiologist and pioneer in reproductive medicine.

James, a 39-year-old actor, is known for his performances in and Grantchester.

Between 2015 and 2017, he was romantically involved with actress Jessie Buckley, followed by a relationship with actress Imogen Poots from 2018 until they parted ways before 2023.

Joanna Scanlan, known for her roles in The Thick of It, Gentleman Jack and Notes on a Scandal, portrays Gladys May in the film.

The character Muriel is played by theatre actress Tanya Moodie, who has starred in Silo and Empire of Light. She also made an appearance in the second season of The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power.

Rish Shah, who recently featured in Netflix's Obsession and Amazon Prime's Sitting in Bars with Cake, takes on the role of Arun.

The cast also includes Call the Midwife actress Ella Bruccoleri and Happy Valley star Charlie Murphy.

Joy will be available to stream on Netflix from November 22.