Lawrence shines, but Russell's direction leaves Joy feeling half-baked.
Verdict tier Mixed, lukewarm or divided, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.
Critic consensus
Critical reception for Joy is mixed, with scores ranging from dismissive to moderately appreciative. Jennifer Lawrence's performance is the most consistently highlighted strength across reviews, with several critics suggesting she carries the film and could be an awards contender. Director David O. Russell draws frequent criticism, with reviewers noting the film falls short of his earlier work and struggles with pacing, particularly in its middle and final sections. A handful of critics found the film charming and uplifting, but the majority consider it a disappointing underachievement.
3 not-rated reviews aren't plotted
Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10
AI-generated summary of 11 critic reviews · may contain errors
Report inaccuracyFrom the papers
Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated
Top critic
Film review ·
...the film belongs to Lawrence, even if she is perhaps a little too polished. As Russell struggles to get a grip on her role, she at least falls in step pretty efficiently — whether Joy is deeply crestfallen or completely overwhelmed.
Top critic
Film review ·
Joy is a misfire, no questions asked. A crushing bore of a film from a director who has shown he's capable of so much more.
Top critic
Film review ·
Even Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper can't save this bland film...
Film review ·
Unfortunately Russell's craft here is not as luminous as it was in 'Silver Linings Playbook.' But even though it's a hustle at best, it manages to spread out enough charm to keep you engaged.
Film review ·
Heartbreaking, uplifting, liberating...Joy makes you instill faith in your abilities once again. It has that 'The Pursuit of Happyness' (2006) feel to it.
Film review ·
Joy has an engaging beginning, a middling middle and a rather overdone ending. It has its heart in the right place, but should that be enough?
Film review ·
Joy could have been a Joyous ride to the Oscars, but fell short of it. Watch the film for Jennifer Lawrence.
Film review ·
Joy is a decent biographical drama anchored by J-Law's performance, but fails to realise its greater ambitions. And J-Law is fine on her own, thank you very much. Don't be surprised if she wipes the floor with all competition to win her second Oscar.
Film review ·
Russell is a genius. It usually takes just one great movie to be called that. He has three. Joy doesn't work and that's disappointing more than anything else.
Film review ·
Though it may not feature over-the-top dramatic scenes or a 'cha-ching' moment, the film is honest, simple and uplifting. Don't miss this one!
Film review ·
The joy in this 124-minute drama comes from watching the fabulously chosen cast play off each other. Joy shares with Russell's previous feature, American Hustle, a loose and improvisational quality and a light-headed and slightly manic approach to storytelling.
Credits
Jennifer LawrenceJoy Mangano
Robert De NiroRudy
Bradley CooperNeil Walker
Edgar RamírezTony Miranne
Diane LaddMimi
Virginia MadsenCarrie
Isabella Crovetti-Crampyoung Joy Mangano
Isabella RosselliniTrudy
Dascha PolancoJackie
Elisabeth RöhmPeggy
Susan LucciDanica
Laura WrightClarinda
Maurice BenardJared
Donna Mills
Jimmy Jean-LouisToussaint
John Enos IIIRoderick
Melissa RiversJoan Rivers
Drena De NiroCindy
Madison WolfeYoung Peggy
Erica McDermott
David O. Russell
John Davis
Megan Ellison
Annie Mumolo
West Dylan Thordson
David Campbell
Linus Sandgren
Tom Cross
Christopher Tellefsen
Isabella CrampYoung JoyEnglish films like Joy
Silver Linings Playbook
2012
American Hustle
2014
Hands of Stone
2016
War Dogs
2016
Joker
2019
10 Cloverfield Lane
2016
La La Land
2016
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
2018
Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)
2015
Saving Mr. Banks
2014
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