Greenwich Picturehouse. Image: Harriet Onyett

I went to Greenwich Picturehouse in South London to see Joy.

Joy is the third collaboration between director David O. Russell, Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper.

It tells the story of Joy Mangano the inventor of the Miracle Mop.

Joy is a single mother who was set to do great things but finds herself caught up in life.

We meet her while her life is full of dysfunction and we follow her story as she becomes an inventor worth over £50 million.

This film is not just a ‘feel good’ movie.

It’s emotional, heart warming and fraught; just like the twists and turns of Joy’s own life, you have to invest in it, and you’ll get what you need.

Directed by David O. Russell we see another beautiful collaboration with Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper and Robert de Niro.

The previous collaboration in Silver Linings Playbook earned Jennifer Lawrence an Academy Award for Best Actress.

This is the third outing for Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper and Robert de Niro in a David O.Russell directed movie.

And there is already talk of award nominations for next years award season.

The real gem of this film is Jennifer Lawrence.

She has shown her talent consistently with performances as diverse as Katniss Everdeen (The Hunger Games) and Mystique (X-Men).

This film is no different.

She is a strong leading lady, fully her role.

Image: theatrical release poster

It’s a beautiful portrayal of a mother who loves her family, is flawed but wants to fulfill her potential, and become the matriarch that her Grandma wanted her to be.

Bradley Cooper is also stunning in the small amount of time he’s on screen.

I wish there was more of him and Jennifer as their chemistry is palpable.

There are also stand out performances by newer faces such as Dascha Polanco as the best friend and Édgar Ramírez as the ex-husband.

You find yourself falling in love with Joy as she trips, falls and steadies herself.

As she teaches her daughter Cristy how to find her way.

The part of Joy’s daughter is beautifully played by identical twins Gia and Aundrea Gadsby.

There is a moment of change which seems to say ‘new hair, new heroine’ which is particularly poignant.

I hope this film starts a trend of strong, leading women.