London Film Festival: James Norton, Bill Nighy & Thomasin McKenzie Netflix Drama ‘Joy’ Set For World Premiere 

Netflix’s historical drama Joy starring James Norton, Bill Nighy, and Thomasin McKenzie will world premiere at this year’s London Film Festival. 

The pic will screen on October 15 at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall with director Ben Taylor and cast members McKenzie, Norton, and Nighy confirmed to attend.

The pic tells the true story behind the birth of Louise Joy Brown in 1978, the world’s first ‘test-tube- baby’, and the tireless 10-year journey to make it possible. The synopsis reads: Told through the perspective of Jean Purdy (McKenzie), a young nurse and embryologist, who joined forces with scientist Robert Edwards (Norton) and surgeon Patrick Steptoe (Nighy) to unlock the puzzle of infertility by pioneering in vitro fertilization (IVF). The beautifully crafted period drama 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.

“I am truly honored that my debut film, Joy, will receive its world premiere at this year’s BFI London Film Festival,” Taylor said of today’s announcement. “This is a far too little-known story of British scientific achievement and it feels perfect to celebrate these three maverick pioneers – and their world-changing innovation of IVF – here at home.”

He added: “Joy is a very personal story for me, as I am sure it will be for many of our audience. But beyond the personal, I hope this film will have all the more resonance today when infertility and issues of choice are so much in the spotlight.”

Jack Thorne wrote the screenplay. The story is from Rachel Mason and Thorne. The producers are Finola Dwyer and Amanda Posey. The Executive Producer is Cameron McCracken.

The London Film Festival takes place Wednesday 9 October – Sunday 20 October.