At times, we long for enchantment, which could be in the form of an uplifting true story brought to life by gorgeous British rendered accents actors, or even as a film starring Bill Nighy. Regardless, the movie in question is titled “Joy,” and is built off of the life of Louise Brown, the first human baby to be born as a result of IVF. Louises’ birth was the center of attention in the world, as she was one of the first people to be born after almost a decade of research and uncountable failed attempts. Moving onto the story, the film in itself draws attention to the hardships and struggles faced by not one but three medical professionals, renowned biologist Robert Edwards, fertility surgeon Patrick Steptoe, and clinical embryologist Jean Purdy.
All of these pioneers went through a rough start, along with a lack of support provided to their team from the medical field. To make it worse, in order to facilitate the Medical Council, a fellow researcher from their team stated “How many people will this help?” We are all aware of how the world is overpopulated, and the idea of fostering more babies might be absurd to some which in reality was the case as to why they were not provided the support they needed.
They claim that they were in fact searching for something that is “pivotal for science as a whole” and in turn, infertility treatments do not make the cut.
To the public however, there were protests that were raised. Edwards made sure to try his best to reach out to the media in an attempt to defend himself against allegations that what he was doing was against ethics (so are glasses and dentures, he would answer with patience), and indeed standing to be a type of Dr. Frankenstein. He also took part in a public debate on television with James Watson, a Nobel Prize laureate who was a member of the team that determined the molecular structure of DNA. Watson says he never objects to new developments in science, but he is worried about what may be the results of this type of mixing together of eggs and sperm outside the human organism, combining eggs and sperms. “I have dwelt on the footing of scientists of a certain age, namely Pelagianism,” Watson says. “I’m worried about the situation ourselves with the works that we might be doing, likely get out to be similar revulsion. You go to science more or less in the purpose for the results that you reach.” Edwards attempts to discuss the consequences of the activities in terms of their ratio against benefits, but the viewers of the program are not convinced by his words.
They did however since Purdy’s mother, Joanna Scanlan, refuses to speak to her, and their vicar who disapproves of their relationship persuades her to confess her wrongdoings and let God into her heart.
In this film, there are plenty of test tubes, moves, a bit of medical language, and yes very horrifying long needles. But there is sufficient emphasis on the people so that we are still attached, not only to the three researchers, but also to the women who agree to be test subjects and undergo painful surgeries to instead of being told if they will ever give birth. Even the pregnancy does not assure you that you are going to carry it. But they do that partly because they strongly wish to be mothers, and partly because they want to have that opportunity to assist other women with that. Edwards prefers staying in the lab and seeing through the microscope, while Purdy on the other hand befriends every one of the participants of the Ovum Club, as these early volunteers stylishly denote themselves.
The tone of the film I would compare to an understated ‘stiff upper lip’ style of an English person. Although tea drinking is a tradition in England, the homes and workplaces in the film are reminiscent of the pre-world war II era.
The inclusion of pop hits in the movie’s setting contrasts the somewhat antique feel of the setting.
Right from the first line of the movie, it’s clear how Edwards values Purdy and Steptoe, especially how he praises Edwards for her efforts in the documentary (As a matter of fact, once again, Edwards’ caution was totally disregarded and her contributions to history became invisible and only by 2015 her name was added to the plaque). The movie also doesn’t elaborate too much on Edward’s efforts post the Forever Angel. It also adds that Edward and Purdy had both created a case for Edward’s inclusion in the Forever Angel challenge. In a sense, they reverted to status quo. Sutherland has always had a great range, but here he is especially engaging, both as a reluctant hero and as the only sane voice in a crazy world. For me, the start of the end credits was framed by pictures of real heroes Sanders and Edwards embracing their dream.
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