James Norton and Bill Nighy star in Joy on Netflix: The story behind the first “Test-Tube Baby”

Joy Netflix cast: Patrick Steptoe (Bill Nighy), Jean (Thomasin McKenzie) and Robert (James Norton)

by Arabella Horspool |
Updated on

On the 25th July 1978, Louise Brown, the world's first “test-tube baby" was born after a decade of work by scientists embryologists and surgeons, and Joy, Netflix's upcoming film brings this incredible story to the screen.

Here's everything you need to know about the upcoming drama:

What is the film Joy about?

Netflix says: "The film is told through the perspective of Jean Purdy, a young nurse and embryologist who joined forces with scientist Robert Edwards and surgeon Patrick Steptoe to unlock the puzzle of infertility by pioneering IVF. The film celebrates the power of perseverance and the wonders of science as it follows this maverick trio of visionaries who overcame tremendous odds and opposition to realize their dream, and in doing so allowed millions of people to dream with them."

Jean Purdy (Thomason McKenzie) and Gladys May (Joanna Scanlan) ©©2023 Netflix, Inc.

The first test-tube baby

Louise Joy Brown was the first test-tube baby born as a result of Jean, Robert and Patrick's ground-breaking work.

Her parents Lesley and John Brow were unable to conceive naturally after years of trying (due to blocked fallopian tubes), so on the 10th November 1977, Lesley underwent what is now known as in vitro fertilisation (IVF), which resulted in Louise being born 8 months later, weighing 5 pounds, 12 ounces.

Patrick Steptoe, Jean Purdy and Robert Edwards with baby Louise Brown

Joy, Netflix cast

• Thomasin McKenzie (Last Night in Soho, Jojo Rabbit) as Jean Purdy
• James Norton (Happy Valley, Grantchester) as Robert Edwards
• Bill Nighy (Love Actually, About Time) as Patrick Steptoe
• Charlie Murphy as Trisha
• Joanna Scanlan as Gladys May
• Douggie McMeekin as John Brown
• Tanya Moodie as Muriel
Ella Bruccoleri as Lesley Brown

Jean Purdy (Thomason McKenzie) and Robert Edwards (James Norton) ©©2023 Netflix, Inc.

When is Joy's Netflix release date?

Joy will be available to stream from the 22nd of November.

Joy Netflix trailer

In the trailer for Joy, Robert Edwards (James Norton) recruits Jean Purdy (Thomasin McKenzie) and Patrick Steptoe (Bill Nighy) "to help make babies". They are later seen trying to fight their corner to help women with infertility issues and celebrating when the woman that they're helping falls pregnant thanks to their scientific breakthroughs.

Arabella Horspool is a Commercial Content Writer for Yours at Bauer Media. She's a bookworm who is passionate about TV, film and theatre. She enjoys cooking, scrapbooking, playing board games and spending time with her pet dogs, tortoise and chickens.

Just so you know, we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website - read why you should trust us