At just 24 years old, actress Thomasin McKenzie is finding her stride in Hollywood, though she admits her youthful appearance has posed challenges in landing roles that reflect her age. However, her latest performance in the film Joy marks a significant turning point, allowing her to step into the shoes of Jean Purdy, a trailblazing figure in the field of in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Often overshadowed by her male counterparts, gynecologist Dr. Patrick Steptoe and physiologist Robert Edwards, Purdy is regarded as the unsung heroine—or “godmother”—of IVF. The film, directed by Ben Taylor, showcases her crucial contributions to the medical breakthrough that led to the birth of the world’s first “test tube” baby, Louise Brown, on July 25, 1978.
McKenzie, known for her performances in Jojo Rabbit, Last Night in Soho, and The Power of the Dog, delivers a compelling portrayal of Purdy alongside an impressive cast that includes Bill Nighy as Steptoe and James Norton as Edwards. The film premiered at the BFI London Film Festival on Tuesday, with additional screenings planned for Wednesday and Saturday. Joy will be released theatrically on November 15 and will be available on Netflix globally starting November 22.
Reflecting on her role, McKenzie expressed nervousness about portraying a character older than herself. “It was the oldest I’ve played,” she said. Joy spans a decade, presenting a unique challenge for the young actress. “I’ve always had a youthful appearance, so it’s been a bit of a struggle for me to play my age or older,” she explained. “This film was that transition.”
The film’s environment was one of respect and collaboration, which boosted McKenzie’s confidence in making suggestions about her character. She recalled wanting to include a pivotal line in a scene where Purdy meets Edwards at Cambridge University: “These are my qualifications, this is where I’ve studied.” McKenzie felt this line was essential for establishing Purdy’s credentials and emphasizing her competence in the field.
Taylor fostered a culture of kindness and professionalism on set, which encouraged all involved to collaborate openly. McKenzie praised the entire crew, noting their commitment to civility and support.
The film sheds light on Purdy’s often-overlooked role in the development of IVF, highlighting the historical neglect of her contributions. While Steptoe and Edwards received accolades, Purdy’s involvement was frequently marginalized due to the gender biases of the scientific community at the time. Edwards himself acknowledged Purdy’s importance during a lecture commemorating the 20th anniversary of clinical IVF, stating, “There were three original pioneers in IVF, not just two.”
Despite the challenges Purdy faced, including public criticism and exclusion from her religious community, her dedication to the groundbreaking work was unwavering. McKenzie highlighted the sacrifices Purdy made, noting, “She had so much courage because she was a very religious person.” The actress depicted Purdy as someone who longed for love but felt unable to accept it due to societal pressures.
McKenzie’s preparation for the role included extensive research and interactions with medical professionals, including visits to London’s Guys Hospital to gain insight into the workings of IVF. She expressed how this experience deepened her understanding of reproductive health and the societal expectations placed on women.
In addition to Joy, McKenzie is working on another film, The Woman Clothed by the Sun, directed by Mona Fastvold, which explores the origins of the United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing, known as the Shakers. She is also preparing for her role in Fackham Hall, directed by Jim O’Hanlon.
Having first met McKenzie at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival, it’s clear that her grounded nature remains unchanged. Rather than frequenting flashy restaurants and clubs, she prefers simple pleasures, such as watching Arsenal play with family or enjoying outings with friends. “Maybe it has something to do with coming from New Zealand,” she said, adding with a smile, “To be honest, I don’t know where those restaurants are.”
As McKenzie continues to forge her path in the film industry, her portrayal of Jean Purdy in Joy stands as a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of recognizing the contributions of women in science and beyond.
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