Kate Winslet’s Goodbye June Reviewed as Thoughtful Holiday Family Drama Ahead of Netflix Release
Veteran actor Kate Winslet has stepped behind the camera for the first time with Goodbye June, a family drama she directed, produced and starred in that is now beginning limited theatrical showings and will stream on Netflix from December 24, 2025. Goodbye June is adapted from a screenplay by her son, Joe Anders, and focuses on adult siblings grappling with their mother’s terminal illness just before Christmas.
Set largely in a hospital, the film opens with elderly matriarch June (played by Helen Mirren) collapsing at home, prompting her children and husband to rush her into care. The story follows June’s four grown children, including Winslet’s character, Julia, as they struggle with her impending death, old family tensions and unresolved personal conflicts.
Critics describe the drama as a straightforward and character-driven exploration of loss and family dynamics that steers away from typical holiday movie formulae. Winslet’s direction emphasizes natural interactions and emotional realism over stylistic spectacle, giving space for strong performances from an ensemble cast that also includes Timothy Spall, Andrea Riseborough, Toni Collette and Johnny Flynn. While the narrative doesn’t break new ground, reviewers note it offers moments of grace, humor and insight into how different personalities cope with grief and imminent loss.
Some reviewers have described the film as generic or predictable, pointing out that its emotional beats follow familiar patterns and that certain character dynamics could be better developed. Nevertheless, the film stands out among holiday releases for its honest, unembellished portrayal of death and family relationships rather than romantic escapism.
According to industry listings, Goodbye June is rated R and has a runtime of approximately 114 minutes, with its limited U.S. theatrical release commencing on December 12, 2025 before wider streaming distribution.