The sacrifices of infertile women who volunteered their bodies for groundbreaking medical experiments are at the heart of Joy, a fact-based British drama premiering on Netflix this Friday. The film illuminates the pain, dedication, and eventual triumph that led to the birth of the first test tube baby in 1978.
Starring Bill Nighy and James Norton as the pioneering doctors behind the historic achievement of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), the film also spotlights Jean Purdy, the nurse and scientist whose crucial contributions remained unrecognized for decades. Played by New Zealand’s Thomasin McKenzie, Purdy emerges as a long-overlooked heroine in the scientific milestone.
“I felt deeply honored to bring her story to life,” McKenzie, 24, shared in a Zoom interview from London. “The care, research, and artistry behind this script made it clear how significant this story is.”
Purdy’s role was pivotal in bridging the gap between the medical team and the women undergoing the trials, as well as in contributing scientifically to IVF’s development. Despite her integral involvement, Purdy’s contributions went largely unacknowledged for over 30 years, with her name only officially recognized on a commemorative plaque in 2015.
IVF, a revolutionary assisted reproductive technology, involves fertilizing eggs outside the body to help people conceive. The film doesn’t shy away from depicting the profound emotional and physical toll endured by the women who participated in these early trials.
“Joy vividly portrays the suffering and sacrifices these women faced—many saw their marriages or lives irreparably impacted,” McKenzie explained. She credited co-creators Jack Thorne and Rachel Mason with conducting meticulous research to faithfully portray the historical and emotional landscape of the time.
To portray Purdy authentically, McKenzie delved deep into her character, consulting historical accounts and speaking with those who knew her, including Grace McDonald, the mother of the first IVF-conceived boy. “Grace shared how Jean’s kindness, dedication, and loyalty left a lasting impression,” McKenzie said.
However, uncovering details about Purdy was a challenge. A private individual, she received little attention during her life and passed away at the young age of 39, leaving no surviving relatives.
Purdy’s multifaceted role extended beyond her scientific expertise. She served as a compassionate liaison for the women enduring the experimental process, ensuring their sacrifices were recognized and valued. “IVF wouldn’t have happened in 1978 without Jean’s impact,” McKenzie emphasized.
With Joy, the unsung contributions of Jean Purdy are finally receiving the recognition they deserve, casting a light on her vital role in one of modern medicine’s most transformative achievements.
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