Kate Winslet Makes Directorial Debut with Heartfelt Holiday Drama “Goodbye June”
Kate Winslet is stepping behind the camera for the first time—just in time for the holidays. The Oscar-winning actress is making her directorial debut with Goodbye June, a heartfelt holiday drama that blends family chaos, humor, and bittersweet goodbyes.
The first images from the film have been released, giving fans a glimpse of Winslet’s new project, which she also stars in alongside Helen Mirren, Toni Collette, and Johnny Flynn. The movie will open in select theaters on December 12 before streaming globally on Netflix on December 24—perfect for a cozy Christmas Eve watch.
A Holiday Family Drama with Heart
Goodbye June tells the story of a family reunited during the holiday season under heartbreaking circumstances. Their mother, June (played by the legendary Helen Mirren), is battling declining health. But instead of letting fear and grief tear her family apart, she chooses to confront her situation with sharp wit and unfiltered honesty.
Winslet plays Julia, one of June’s four adult children, who, along with her siblings and father, must navigate long-buried tensions, awkward reunions, and moments of laughter as they learn to let go.
“It’s about how families often only come together in crisis, but also how love can be found in the hardest places,” Winslet explained in an interview. “There’s humor, there’s heartbreak, but above all, there’s honesty.”
A Star-Studded Cast
In addition to Winslet and Mirren, the cast is stacked with powerhouse talent:
Toni Collette (Hereditary, Knives Out)
Johnny Flynn (Emma, Ripley)
Andrea Riseborough (To Leslie, Lee)
Timothy Spall (Mr. Turner, Harry Potter)
The ensemble also includes Stephen Merchant (Jojo Rabbit), Fisayo Akinade (Heartstopper), Jeremy Swift (Ted Lasso), and Raza Jaffrey (Homeland).
With such a lineup, it’s no wonder fans are already buzzing online, calling it a “Christmas must-watch” and predicting awards chatter for both Mirren and Winslet.
A Family Affair for Winslet
Adding an extra layer of intimacy to the film, the script for Goodbye June was written by Winslet’s own son, Joe Anders. For Winslet, there was never a question of whether she should take the director’s chair.
“In all honesty, the idea of someone else directing my son’s script felt like I had been stabbed in the gut,” she admitted. “It had to be me.”
Winslet, who turned 50 this year, said the timing felt perfect. “To direct my first film at this stage of my life feels empowering. It feels right.”
This isn’t her first time shaping a film behind the scenes—she previously produced #Lee (2023), where she starred as war photographer Lee Miller. But directing is a new frontier, one that fans are eager to see her conquer.
Holiday Release Strategy
The dual release—first in theaters and then on Netflix—is designed to capture both awards buzz and family audiences during the holidays. The December 24 Netflix premiere makes Goodbye June a prime Christmas Eve pick for families looking for something heartfelt, emotional, and star-studded.
And with Winslet’s reputation for powerhouse performances, paired with Mirren’s commanding presence, Goodbye June may join the ranks of modern holiday classics.
A Christmas Story with a Twist
While holiday films often lean into lighthearted romance or slapstick comedy, Goodbye June seems to strike a different chord. It’s about facing loss, finding connection, and learning to celebrate life—even when it’s slipping away.
As Winslet put it, “Families are complicated. Life is complicated. But there’s beauty in the mess.”
With its blend of humor, honesty, and star power, Goodbye June might just become the movie everyone is talking about this holiday season.
Are you excited to see Kate Winslet’s first film as a director? Do you think Goodbye June will make you laugh—or cry? Share your thoughts!
