Joyland

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1:50

Joyland

2023

2h 6m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

98%

Tomatometer

89 Reviews

76%

Popcornmeter

100+ Ratings

The Ranas--a happily patriarchal joint family--yearn for the birth of a baby boy to continue the family line. Their youngest son secretly joins an erotic dance theatre and falls for an ambitious trans starlet. Their impossible love story slowly illuminates the entire Rana family's desire for sexual rebellion.

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Critics Consensus

With stunning honesty that's achingly bittersweet, Joyland tackles gender and sexual fluidity in a repressed patriarchal society with wisps of hopefulness.

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Mark Jenkins

Washington Post

May 23, 2023

3.5/4

The theme of repression in a regimented society percolates throughout this melancholy and lovely Pakistani film.

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Randy Myers

San Jose Mercury News

May 17, 2023

3.5/4

Ali Junejo’s performance ranks as one of the finest you’ll see in any year.

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Hannah Bae

San Francisco Chronicle

May 17, 2023

4/4

What’s in a name? For Pakistani filmmaker Saim Sadiq, there’s so much meaning wrapped up in the title of his extraordinary debut feature, “Joyland.”

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Alisha Mughal

The Asian Cut

Aug 2, 2025

One of those gems that, depending on where you are in your life, delivers a different message after every watch.

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Anna Hoang

Boston Hassle

Jul 17, 2025

3.5/5

When I think about JOYLAND long after watching it, the aftermath’s complexity can honestly be narrowed to the one trite but true: human.

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Calum Cooper

The People's Movies

Jul 17, 2024

4/5

Director Saim Sadiq makes excellent use of melodrama and cinematography in order to convey his scathing critiques.

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Adam L

Apr 22, 2023

Absolutely incredible!

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AYUSH C

@RT56099340 Jan 3, 2025

Good as expected nice showcase of patriarchial society.

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dave d

@RT34924333 Mar 28, 2024

Pakistani dramatic features aren't always on our radar and this isn't going to make us change our mind. It is fine, well-made, for certain, but lacking something to bring it all together. Weak-minded people who are poor. Sad, but a film it doesn't make. Artsy, but conceptually flawed. Final Score: 5.3/10

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Sameir A

@RT21611577 Dec 20, 2023

Step into the enchanting world of 'Joyland,' a cinematic masterpiece directed by the talented debutant Saim Sadiq. This 2022 Pakistani film has earned accolades at prestigious international film festivals such as Cannes and the Toronto International Film Festival, capturing hearts and minds with its profound narrative. Set against a backdrop of human relations, love, affection, and desire, 'Joyland' delicately explores the intricacies of life. What sets it apart is its ability to seamlessly integrate these complex themes without imposing, creating a harmonious and beautiful cinematic experience. The casting is nothing short of extraordinary; each actor seamlessly embodies their character, leaving you feeling as though no other option could have been as perfect. The film not only tells a compelling story but immerses you in a world where every emotion is felt deeply. For lovers of cinema, 'Joyland' is an absolute must-watch. Missing out would be a great loss. Don't let this cinematic gem slip through the cracks. #KiduMovie

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Christy C

@RT93217514 Nov 2, 2023

Very deep movie. All the characters feel authentic and unique. Loved all the story lines.

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Blob d

@RT56114040 May 19, 2023

Joyland is an alluring and enchanting affair that shows you the struggles of the characters' search for happiness to break free from their traditional roles. From time to time, it does bend and turn in places that loses grasp of its cogency, but the performances help steer the core of the story.

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Saim Sadiq

Director

Ali Junejo

Haider

Rasti Farooq

Mumtaz

Alina Khan

Biba

Sarwat Gilani

Nucchi

Salmaan Peerzada

Rana Amanullah

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Joyland: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

The Ranas--a happily patriarchal joint family--yearn for the birth of a baby boy to continue the family line. Their youngest son secretly joins an erotic dance theatre and falls for an ambitious trans starlet. Their impossible love story slowly illuminates the entire Rana family's desire for sexual rebellion.

Director: Saim Sadiq
Producer: Apoorva Guru Charan, Sarmad Sultan Khoosat, Sabiha Sumar, Lauren Mann, Kathryn M. Moseley, Oliver Ridge, April Shih, Katharina Otto-Bernstein
Screenwriter: Maggie Briggs, Saim Sadiq
Distributor: Oscilloscope Laboratories
Production Co: All Caps, Khoosat Films, Extracurricular Productions, Left Handed Films, Diversity Hire, One Two Twenty Entertainment, Blood Moon Creative, Film Manufacturers, Astrakan Film AB, Noruz Films, Vidhi Films, Instinct Productions
Genre: Drama
Original Language: Urdu
Release Date (Theaters): Apr 7, 2023, Limited
Runtime: 2h 6m

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