Kate Winslet's Directorial Debut Is Available on Netflix, but Is It Actually Worth Watching?

2025 has become a year of directorial debuts for many Hollywood stars, and Kate Winslet is no exception. Her first movie, Goodbye June, written by her son Joe Anders, skipped major film festivals and was released in select theaters before becoming available on Netflix.

Goodbye June tells an intimate family story set against the backdrop of Christmas and explores loss and reconciliation. But how successful is this personal project, and is it worth watching?

What is 'Goodbye June' About?

The plot centers on a family gathering around their mother, June, who is dying of cancer, at her bedside. Her husband and four adult children must spend the Christmas season together and try to come to terms with their impending loss.

The main conflict unfolds between two sisters: Julia, a weary career woman who has taken on all the responsibilities, and Molly, a touchy, rude woman who constantly quarrels with her older sister.

Their confrontation and attempts to find common ground form the emotional core of the movie, which unfolds against the backdrop of hospital walls and Christmas lights.

'Goodbye June's Main Strength Is Its Brilliant Cast

Kate Winslet gathered an outstanding cast. Helen Mirren breaks her own rule of not playing dying characters to deliver a poignant and dignified performance as a mother whose silent presence is felt in every frame.

Andrea Riseborough convincingly portrays the explosive and vulnerable Molly, and Toni Collette adds a subtle yet necessary touch of eccentricity.

Johnny Flynn and Timothy Spall convincingly portray male pain and confusion in the face of grief. The actors' performances draw you into the characters and hold your attention.

'Goodbye June' Isn't a Bad Movie, but We've Seen the Same Formula Many Times Before

It's hard to find any glaring flaws in Goodbye June. It's professionally crafted with loving attention to detail and a keen understanding of the subject matter, which is particularly close to Winslet's heart after the loss of her own mother.

The melancholic atmosphere and topics of family ties and the difficulty of saying goodbye are conveyed accurately and without excessive sentimentality.

However, Goodbye June lacks a fresh perspective. The film offers no new meanings, remaining within the safe confines of the genre. While it evokes immediate empathy, it leaves no lasting impression.

Despite its strong cast, Goodbye June doesn't break from familiar genre conventions. It's a classic story about an unhappy family forced to gather for the holidays to navigate a crisis, discuss old grievances, and potentially forgive each other.

What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'Goodbye June'?

• Goodbye June has 67% from critics and 71% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.

• On IMDb, the movie has a score of 6.7/10.

• On Letterboxd, Goodbye June scored 3.3/5.0.