‘Joy’, Story of First Test-Tube Baby Starring Bill Nighy, to Get World Premiere at BFI London Film Fest

This year’s Cunard Gala at the 68th BFI London Film Festival will open with the world premiere of Joy starring Bill Nighy, James Norton, and Thomasin McKenzie.

The cast of Joy, which tells the true story behind the world’s first “test-tube baby” in 1978, will be in attendance, the LFF also confirmed.

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 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,” a plot synopsis reads.

Director Ben Taylor (Sex Education, Cardinal Burns) said: “I am truly honored that my debut film, Joy, will receive its world premiere at this year’s BFI London Film Festival. 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.”

“Joy is a very personal story for me, as I am sure it will be for many of our audience,” Taylor continued. “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.”

BFI London Film Festival director Kristy Matheson added: “We’re honored to present the World Premiere of Joy. It’s a beautifully made film with terrific performances throughout and we’ve no doubt that audiences will be as moved as we were by this inspiring true story and the lasting impact it’s had on so many.”

Joy (screenplay by Jack Thorne, story by Thorne, Rachel Mason, Emma Gordon, and Shaun Topp) will have its world premiere at the BFI London Film Festival on Tuesday, Oct. 15 at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall in London, with the festival running from Oct. 9-20.