The Netflix movie Joy, directed by Ben Taylor, tells a powerful story of three brave medical professionals. These individuals worked hard in the 1960s and 1970s to research in vitro fertilization (IVF), a new way to help women who could not have children. The main characters include Robert Edwards, played by James Norton, surgeon Patrick Steptoe, played by Bill Nighy, and nurse Jean Purdy, played by Thomasin McKenzie.
While they worked on this breakthrough idea, many people opposed them. The church, media, and even some doctors did not support their research, as infertility was seen as a small problem. However, this story, based on real events, shows their determination and the journey leading to the birth of Louise Brown, the world’s first IVF baby.
The movie is set in England during a time when society was very traditional. The filmmakers used this period’s muted colors, simple clothes, and conservative values to show how challenging it was for these pioneers to introduce something so revolutionary.
Where Was Joy Filmed?
The movie Joy was filmed in various places across England. These include cities like Manchester, London, Cambridge, and the beautiful county of Suffolk. The shooting started in mid-September 2023 and finished in just a few months.
The team behind the movie worked very hard, traveling to different locations with large equipment and even drone cameras for capturing aerial views. Lead actor James Norton shared how he immediately started working on this movie after another exhausting project because he was inspired by the story’s importance.
Manchester, England
Many scenes in Joy were filmed in Manchester, a city known for its industrial past. The old Victorian-style buildings in Manchester were perfect for showing life in the 1960s and 70s.
The movie used vintage cars, costumes, and decorations to recreate the look of that era. Manchester’s unique mix of old and modern features has made it a popular spot for shooting period films. Other movies and shows like Sherlock Holmes (2009), A Gentleman in Moscow, and Ripper Street were also shot in this city.
Suffolk, England
The peaceful countryside of Suffolk offered a contrast to the busy city scenes in Joy. Some of the film’s memorable moments, like the beach scenes, were filmed in the seaside town of Southwold. The famous Southwold Pier and the stunning coastline appear in the movie, giving it a calm and beautiful backdrop.
The small villages of Lavenham and Kersey in Suffolk were also used in the movie. These villages are known for their old-style, fairytale-like houses with wooden frames and pastel colors. These locations helped bring out the charm of rural England in the film.
Cambridge and London
The filmmakers also shot some important scenes in Cambridge, especially those showing the academic atmosphere. The University of Cambridge, particularly the King’s College Chapel, appears in the movie. This chapel is a historic structure with tall stained glass windows and beautiful Gothic architecture.
In London, the movie filmed scenes in neighborhoods with tree-lined streets and classical buildings. Areas near Hyde Park and Bloomsbury were used to show the calm and elegant side of the city.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Question (FAQs) – Joy
1: Where was Joy filmed?
A: Joy was filmed in England, in places like Manchester, London, Cambridge, and Suffolk. These locations were chosen to show both busy city life and peaceful countryside from the 1960s and 70s.
2: When was Joy filmed?
A: The movie was filmed between September 2023 and late 2023. The team worked quickly and efficiently across different locations.
3: When will Joy release?
A: Joy was released on November 22, 2024.
4: Who are the main cast members of Joy?
A: The movie stars James Norton as Robert Edwards, Bill Nighy as Patrick Steptoe, and Thomasin McKenzie as Jean Purdy.
5: What is Joy about?
A: Joy is about three doctors who worked hard to create in vitro fertilization (IVF) in the 1960s and 70s. Despite facing criticism, they made history by helping bring Louise Brown, the first IVF baby, into the world.