Review Joy: A Heartfelt Journey of Sacrifice and Hope | Netflix’s Must-Watch Drama

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3 months ago

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What happens when one person’s pursuit of joy leads them to face their deepest fears and hardest decisions? Netflix’s upcoming movie Joy, directed by Sudabeh Mortezai, is set to premiere on October 23, 2024, and falls into the drama genre, promising an emotionally charged experience. As I watched the trailer, I was intrigued by the blend of vulnerability and resilience portrayed in the main character, setting the stage for a thought-provoking journey.

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Personal Experience

The trailer for Joy captivated me from the start. As I watched, I found myself drawn into the protagonist’s struggles and inner conflict. The tone of the film felt heavy with emotion, and I couldn’t help but feel a mix of suspense and empathy. There’s something deeply moving about watching someone search for happiness in the midst of overwhelming hardship, and this trailer conveyed that beautifully. I experienced moments of tension, especially during key scenes where the stakes were high, making me eager to see how the story unfolds. One standout moment involved a scene where the protagonist is caught between a life-altering decision — it left me holding my breath.

Plot Summary (No Spoilers)

Joy follows the life of a young woman, Joy (played by Mariam Sanusi), who navigates the harsh realities of her world while clinging to hope for a better future. Joy is forced to make difficult choices in her pursuit of happiness, torn between familial obligations and her own desires. The story touches on themes of sacrifice, resilience, and the complex dynamics of human relationships. Alongside her is a cast of supporting characters who influence her journey, adding depth to the narrative without overwhelming the main arc.

Strengths (Positives)

Acting/Cast: Mariam Sanusi delivers a raw and authentic performance as Joy. Her portrayal of a woman grappling with emotional turmoil felt genuine, and she brought a quiet strength to the role. The supporting cast also delivered solid performances, but Sanusi undeniably steals the spotlight.
Direction: Sudabeh Mortezai’s direction shines through her ability to balance intimate, personal moments with broader societal themes. Her minimalist yet impactful approach lets the characters breathe, while also keeping the audience engaged through the underlying tension.
Cinematography: The visual style of Joy stands out with its warm color palette, which contrasts beautifully against the darker, more somber aspects of the story. The camera work is immersive, with close-up shots that capture the nuances of Joy’s emotional journey.
Music/Soundtrack: The soundtrack is subtle yet effective, enhancing the movie’s emotional weight. The score, with its delicate melodies and melancholic tones, complements the film’s slower, contemplative pace, adding to the overall mood.
Writing/Script: The dialogue is understated but powerful. Rather than relying on long-winded speeches, the script conveys meaning through carefully chosen words, gestures, and silences. The screenplay touches on universal themes of love, survival, and hope without feeling forced or preachy.

Weaknesses (Negatives)

While Joy has many strengths, there are a few areas where the film might falter:

Pacing: From the trailer, it seems the movie might suffer from pacing issues. Some scenes appear to linger a bit too long, which could potentially slow down the narrative. If the film doesn’t balance these moments well, it might lose some viewers’ attention.
Character Development: While Joy is a compelling lead, some supporting characters in the trailer seemed underdeveloped. If these characters remain flat in the final film, it could detract from the overall richness of the story.
Plot Predictability: Certain aspects of the storyline, such as the central conflict between duty and personal happiness, may feel familiar to audiences. While these themes are universal, I hope the film adds a fresh perspective to avoid falling into clichés.

Comparisons and Context

In terms of style and theme, Joy feels reminiscent of movies like The Pursuit of Happyness or Roma, which also explore themes of hardship and perseverance. However, where those films focus more on external obstacles, Joy appears to delve deeper into internal struggles and personal sacrifice. Director Sudabeh Mortezai is known for her ability to bring authenticity and nuance to stories that highlight societal issues, as seen in her previous film Joy (2018), which dealt with human trafficking.

Overall Impression

From the trailer alone, Joy seems like it will be an emotional rollercoaster, but one worth taking. The film looks poised to offer a raw, unfiltered look at the complexities of life and the pursuit of happiness. While it may tread familiar ground in some aspects, its strong performances, particularly by Mariam Sanusi, and its visually striking direction, make it a film to watch. I would give it 4 out of 5 stars, as it seems to deliver a thought-provoking narrative, albeit with some potential pacing and development issues.

Conclusion

If you’re in the mood for a deep, reflective drama that explores the nuances of human emotion and resilience, Joy could be a great pick. While it might not be perfect, it offers enough emotional depth and strong performances to make it a worthwhile watch. I’d recommend this film to anyone who enjoys character-driven stories with a focus on personal growth and struggle.

Call to Action

Have you seen the trailer for Joy? What are your thoughts on the movie’s premise? Share your opinions in the comments below, and don’t forget to catch Joy when it hits Netflix on October 23!