Oscar-winning actor Kate Winslet will make her highly anticipated directorial debut with Goodbye June, a new film arriving on Netflix this holiday season. Focusing on the heart of family relationships, this film brings the Kate Winslet directorial debut Netflix fans have been waiting for to screens on December 24, 2025, following a limited theatrical run in the US and UK starting December 12.
Goodbye June: An Insight into the Film’s Storyline
Goodbye June delves into the intense and charged dynamics between four adult siblings as they attempt to navigate a challenging Christmas together. The siblings, along with their father, come together after learning of an unexpected turn in their mother’s health. The story is driven by June, the family’s matriarch, who faces her declining health with
“biting humour, blunt honesty, and a lot of love,”
according to the film’s official synopsis.
The emotionally rich narrative invites audiences into a bittersweet holiday, exploring both the complications and warmth of family bonds. Echoing the spirit of classic holiday films like The Holiday and It’s A Wonderful Life, Goodbye June distinguishes itself as a drama centered around love, loss, and acceptance, rather than the traditional festive romance.
How and Where to Watch Goodbye June
The release strategy for Goodbye June ensures broad accessibility for audiences on both sides of the Atlantic. The film will open in select theaters in the United States and United Kingdom on December 12, 2025, giving fans an opportunity to experience it on the big screen. For viewers without access to theaters, the film will become available to stream worldwide on Netflix beginning December 24, 2025. This premiere guarantees that those celebrating the holidays at home can add the film to their seasonal traditions.
The Ensemble Cast of Goodbye June
Kate Winslet has assembled a powerhouse ensemble for her directorial debut. The cast features major talents including Toni Collette, known for her emotionally resonant performances, and Johnny Flynn, celebrated for his dynamic acting range. Andrea Riseborough brings further depth, alongside revered figures like Timothy Spall and Helen Mirren, whose careers have spanned decades of acclaimed roles.
Additional cast members include Stephen Merchant, adding his distinctive voice, as well as Fisayo Akinade, Jeremy Swift, and Raza Jaffrey, each contributing unique perspectives to the on-screen family dynamic. Notably, Kate Winslet herself appears in the film, lending both her presence and vision to the project.
Behind the Scenes: A Personal Project for Kate Winslet
Goodbye June holds personal significance for Kate Winslet beyond her role as director and actor. The screenplay was crafted by her son, Joe Anders, adding another layer of familial collaboration to the film. Winslet’s approach to family stories is rooted in authenticity and the complexity of real relationships. She shared her perspective on the story’s universal themes:
“It’s about the human condition. I hope that people will recognize themselves in the characters,”
Kate Winslet told Tudum.
Expanding on the film’s themes, Winslet explained:
“It’s a film about family. Some of our most complicated relationships in life are with the people we love the most in the world, the people we are closest to, the people we need the most for support and care. In the UK, we struggle when talking about death. The power of a good goodbye is to remember to love each other in the present.”
– Kate Winslet, Director and Actor
Filming Locations and Production Timeline
Goodbye June was filmed entirely in the United Kingdom over the course of two months, from March to April 2025. The production made use of British settings to create an authentic backdrop for the story, adding atmospheric details to the film’s depiction of a family’s emotional holiday journey. These choices help root the narrative in real environments, supporting the powerful performances at the heart of the film.
Why Goodbye June Matters This Holiday Season
The arrival of Goodbye June on Netflix marks a significant milestone in Kate Winslet’s celebrated career. Not only is this her first time directing a feature film, but she also brings together some of the finest UK and international talent, both behind and in front of the camera. The movie takes on weighty, universal topics such as love, loss, and the importance of meaningful farewells, making it likely to resonate deeply with audiences during the festive season.
With its carefully drawn characters, emotionally charged performances, and Kate Winslet’s visionary direction, Goodbye June is poised to become an essential viewing experience for the holidays, promising to spark conversations about family, memory, and connection for years to come.
