Finding Joy (2025) is a heartwarming and deeply emotional drama that explores the themes of healing, loss, and rediscovery. Directed by Sarah Linden, the film follows Emma Collins (played by Florence Pugh), a young woman who returns to her coastal hometown after her mother’s passing. There, she unexpectedly befriends an eccentric widower named Henry (Tom Hanks), whose quiet wisdom and sense of humor slowly help her reconnect with life. From its opening scene, Finding Joy sets a tender tone, blending melancholy with hope in a way that feels both authentic and comforting.
Florence Pugh delivers one of her most vulnerable performances to date, perfectly balancing Emma’s grief and resilience. Her chemistry with Tom Hanks is remarkable — their on-screen dynamic feels natural, as though two lost souls are slowly teaching each other how to live again. Supporting performances by Jacob Elordi and Olivia Colman add depth and charm, enriching the film’s emotional tapestry. Every character, no matter how small, feels purposeful and real, contributing to the movie’s warm, human atmosphere.
Visually, Finding Joy is stunning. Cinematographer Roger Deakins captures the soft glow of seaside mornings, the quiet loneliness of empty streets, and the intimate details of everyday life. The film’s color palette — muted blues and golds — mirrors Emma’s emotional journey from sorrow to renewal. The gentle, piano-driven score by Alexandre Desplat ties everything together beautifully, evoking nostalgia and quiet strength. It’s a film that invites you not just to watch, but to feel.
The pacing is unhurried, allowing moments of silence and reflection to breathe. Some viewers may find it slow, but that’s exactly what makes it so powerful — Finding Joy isn’t about dramatic twists or grand revelations, but about the subtle process of healing. Through small gestures, shared laughter, and painful honesty, the film shows how joy isn’t found all at once — it’s rediscovered piece by piece. It’s storytelling at its most sincere.
In the end, Finding Joy is more than just a film; it’s an emotional journey that reminds us of the beauty in imperfection and the strength of human connection. It lingers long after the credits roll, leaving a sense of quiet peace and renewed hope. For those who loved films like The Secret Life of Walter Mitty or A Man Called Otto, this one will touch your heart in all the right places. Poetic, poignant, and uplifting — Finding Joy truly lives up to its name.
