Joy

The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Jean Purdy works as a nurse in a traditional hospital setting, witnessing women desperate for children but unable to conceive. She feels constrained by conventional medical approaches and yearns for meaningful scientific work.. Notably, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.

The inciting incident occurs at 11 minutes when Jean is recruited by Robert Edwards to join his controversial IVF research project. This opportunity represents exactly the meaningful scientific work she craves, but comes with enormous professional risk and social stigma.. At 9% through the film, this Disruption arrives earlier than typical, accelerating the narrative momentum. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.

The First Threshold at 24 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 20% of the runtime. This demonstrates the protagonist's commitment to Jean makes the active choice to commit fully to the IVF research, joining Edwards and Steptoe. She leaves her conventional nursing position and enters the uncertain world of pioneering medical research, knowing she may face condemnation., moving from reaction to action.

At 49 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 41% of the runtime—significantly early, compressing the first half. Structural examination shows that this crucial beat A false victory: an early pregnancy test shows positive results. The team celebrates what seems like their first successful IVF pregnancy. Media attention begins, stakes raise dramatically. But this raises the pressure - they must prove it wasn't a fluke., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.

The Collapse moment at 74 minutes (61% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, After years of failure and over 100 attempts, funding is completely cut off. The research program faces permanent shutdown. Jean experiences personal breakdown - her faith in the work, her sacrificed relationships, all seem wasted. The dream of IVF appears dead., demonstrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.

The Second Threshold at 78 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 65% of the runtime. A breakthrough realization about the natural cycle timing, or one couple's willingness to try again gives the team renewed purpose. They decide to attempt one final try using their own money and resources. Synthesis of all their learned failures into a refined approach., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.