Kate Winslet took on multiple roles in her first directorial venture, Goodbye June, where she portrays Julia, one of four siblings dealing with their mother’s looming death as Christmas approaches. The character June, their mother, is played by Helen Mirren. The script for the film was crafted by Winslet’s son, Joe Anders.
In a discussion with Digital Spy, Winslet shared that she initially signed on as both the lead actress and producer for Goodbye June. The possibility of directing the film also emerged, but she hesitated, fearing the challenge of managing three major responsibilities simultaneously. This apprehension almost led her to step down from her acting role. Winslet’s thoughts on the matter are detailed below:
Although I’m adept at handling multiple tasks, this seemed overwhelming. I seriously considered finding another actress for Julia’s role and even came up with a shortlist of excellent candidates.
However, Netflix, the film’s distributor, insisted that Winslet remain in the leading role. She also recognized that she couldn’t pass up the chance to work with the remarkable cast she had assembled. The other siblings include Helen (Toni Collette), Connor (Johnny Flynn), and Molly (Andrea Riseborough), with Timothy Spall playing Bernie, their father and June’s husband.
Ultimately… Netflix was adamant. And once I saw the incredible team we had, how could I not want to join them? That’s what we do in this industry. We engage, we create illusions, and it’s truly magical.
Winslet also touched on the deep bonds formed with her co-stars during the shoot, which brought a genuine sense of family to their performances.
Connections made on set can be profound, transforming mere co-workers into lifelong friends. This was certainly true for Goodbye June. To make our film as believable and relatable as possible, we couldn’t just act; we had to truly embody a family, which we did.
The project was particularly meaningful for Winslet. She told ScreenRant that the film originated from a school project of her son while he was studying screenwriting. Inspired by the script’s richly developed characters, she committed to bringing it to life by acting, producing, and directing.
This marks Anders’ debut as a screenwriter, although he has acted in several other projects, including 1917, and in series such as I Am…, Lee, and Bonus Track. He is also set to appear in Netflix’s adaptation of East of Eden and in Apple TV’s Cape Fear.
Goodbye June has received a mix of reviews, with a 67% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics have praised Winslet’s performance and direction, as well as the movie’s heartfelt themes.
ScreenRant‘s Alex Harrison offered a more critical view, rating the family drama a 5/10. He commented that the film failed to effectively manage its somber themes, resulting in a lackluster experience that neither entertains nor resonates as intended.
After its limited theatrical release in the United States and the United Kingdom on December 12, Goodbye June will be available on Netflix starting December 24, giving audiences a chance to see Winslet’s directorial and Anders’ screenwriting debuts during the holiday season.
Ava Thornton is an entertainment journalist with a keen eye for the latest in Hollywood, indie films, and streaming trends.
Her work blends insider knowledge with a deep appreciation for storytelling.
