Shadows on the Wall

Joy

dir Ben Taylor
scr Rachel Mason, Jack Thorne
prd Finola Dwyer, Amanda Posey
with Thomasin McKenzie, James Norton, Bill Nighy, Joanna Scanlan, Tanya Moodie, Rish Shah, Ella Bruccoleri, Douggie McMeekin, Charlie Murphy, Olivia Sellers, Mariam Haque, Oliver Llewellyn Jenkins
release UK 15.Nov.24,
US 22.Nov.24
24/UK Pathe 1h55

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Warm and witty, this British drama recounts the true story of the first baby born using in vitro fertilisation. It's fairly straightforward, augmented with plot elements that feel rather formulaic. But the narrative is involving, and director Ben Taylor finds clever ways to draw us in, resisting temptation to take things too seriously while honing in on engagingly nuanced performances from Thomasin McKenzie, James Norton and Bill Nighy.

In 1968 Cambridge, scientist Robert Edwards (Norton) is looking into ways to cure infertility by conceiving an embryo outside the body. Of course, the church and tabloids are in an uproar about the very idea. But he persists in his research, hiring Jean Purdy (McKenzie) to assist him. They then find a gynaecologist who will work with them, Patrick Steptoe (Nighy), and together with hospital matron Muriel (Moodie) begin to make leaps forward. But opposition is fierce, funding is scarce, and Jean is forced to choose between her devoutly religious mother (Scanlan) and her career.

Previously unknown details about these real people fill the script, as screenwriting couple Mason and Thorne unearthed long-lost information through interviews, books and archival footage. This gives the events a striking sense of earthy realism, adding complexity to the story and characters that transcend the rather obvious attempt to wedge the plot into a standard movie structure. And it helps that the film is populated by people who have sharp senses of humour, which gives an entertaining snap and crackle to their interaction.

This also helps us understand how these people find release from their intensely serious work, which each of them has a passion to move forward. The film takes Jean's perspective, which offers a terrific point of entry for the audience. And she is played beautifully by McKenzie, who adds gorgeous textures as she connects with various people around her. Norton has generous charm as the fully invested Robert, while Nighy provides his wry observational skills as a doctor who bucks the system.

A remarkable account of triumph against almost outrageous odds, the film covers a decade of research before the first test-tube baby, Louise Joy Brown, was born in 1978. Most important is the way the story acknowledges those who gave themselves to this project knowing that they were working for future generations. And the film also gently makes the important point that IVF is treating a medical condition, and it shouldn't be limited to the wealthy.

themes, language 15.Oct.24

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