Joy

A story based on the life of a struggling Long Island single mom who became one of the country's most successful entrepreneurs.

Critics praise Jennifer Lawrence's lead performance while finding David O. Russell's fact-based story uneven and its emotional payoff inconsistent.

• Joy's years of unrealized product ideas and fight with marketing executives drive the plot
• Joy handles the books, the household and the parents' divorce fallout while forgoing her own life
• the home shopping pitch and investor meetings are staged as tense climactic scenes

• Silver Linings Playbookshared dysfunctional family comedy-drama tone and underdog female entrepreneur arc
• The Fightershared working-class family drama with determined protagonist fighting for recognition
• Erin Brockovichshared inventor biopic with female lead overcoming business obstacles

Director

David O. Russell

Release Date

2015-12-24

Runtime

124 min

Rating

6.6 / 10 (4374)

What is Joy about?

A determined single mother juggles a chaotic household and a failing family business while fighting to bring her self-wringing mop invention to market.

What is Joy like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Joy as measured, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as easy to follow.

Is Joy violent?

No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Joy.

What did critics think of Joy?

Critics praise Jennifer Lawrence's lead performance while finding David O. Russell's fact-based story uneven and its emotional payoff inconsistent.

Which films are like Joy?

Films with a similar feel include Silver Linings Playbook, The Fighter, and Erin Brockovich.

How long is Joy?

Joy runs 124 minutes.

Where can I watch Joy?

In United States, Joy streams on Starz Apple TV channel.