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Joybubbles

Play trailer Joybubbles 2026 1h 19m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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80% Tomatometer 10 Reviews Popcornmeter 0 Ratings
Joybubbles is a feature documentary about a genius named Joybubbles (née Joe Engressia, 1949-2007) who discovered how to hack into the telephone network by whistling a magic tone. He was blind and started experimenting with the phone as a lonely kid trying to connect with people, eventually becoming one of technology's greatest pioneers. His story takes an unusual turn when he declares himself to be five years old forever, and legally changes his name to Joybubbles.

Critics Reviews

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Robert Daniels RogerEbert.com Jan 28
Its modesty and sincerity, which could easily be confused as saccharine, arrive with an assuming commitment to the spirit of its remarkable subject that it’s downright dream-affirming. Go to Full Review Alan French InSession Film 12h
7/10
Joybubbles is a cute documentary and covers a unique era of communication that will feel foreign to anyone under 30. It’s also an uplifting experience, one that should help reconnect those with the enigmatic man. Go to Full Review Cory Woodroof For the Win at USA Today 1d
Sometimes, a great documentary just needs the perfect subject and just enough aura to match that person's vibes. Go to Full Review Jason Gorber POV Magazine 3d
Unfortunately, while the elements are present for an evocative, engaging, and even entertaining film, Joybubbles itself feels undercooked. Go to Full Review Robert Kojder Flickering Myth 4d
3.5/5
The unorthodox method of human connection on display is uniquely moving, as the documentary consistently feels as if it’s covering something greater than one man hacking telephones: a defiance of loneliness, ableism, and trauma Go to Full Review Sean P. Means The Movie Cricket 5d
3/4
The sweetness and light of "Joybubbles" doesn’t keep viewers from encountering some dark passages. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Cast & Crew

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Rachael J. Morrison

Director

Sarah Winshall

Producer

Will Butler

Producer

Annie Marr

Producer

Cameo Wood

Executive Producer

Rhianon Jones

Executive Producer
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Joybubbles

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Movie Info

Synopsis Joybubbles is a feature documentary about a genius named Joybubbles (née Joe Engressia, 1949-2007) who discovered how to hack into the telephone network by whistling a magic tone. He was blind and started experimenting with the phone as a lonely kid trying to connect with people, eventually becoming one of technology's greatest pioneers. His story takes an unusual turn when he declares himself to be five years old forever, and legally changes his name to Joybubbles.
Director
Rachael J. Morrison
Producer
Sarah Winshall, Will Butler, Annie Marr
Production Co
Smudge Films, Neon Heart Productions
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Runtime
1h 19m