Academy Award-winning actress Kate Winslet has stepped behind the camera for her directorial debut, Goodbye June, a project she felt she simply could not refuse. The film, which will premiere on Netflix on 24 December 2025, features an acclaimed cast including Dame Helen Mirren, Timothy Spall, Andrea Riseborough, and Johnny Flynn.
From a Son's Script to a Mother's Vision
Winslet revealed that she never actively sought a career in directing. The catalyst came from a deeply personal place: the first screenplay written by her son, Joe Anders. In 2023, Anders, whose father is director Sam Mendes, enrolled in a screenwriting course at the National Film and Television School. When Winslet read one of his assignments, she was so moved she insisted it be made into a film.
The screenplay, which Anders began writing at age 19, tells the story of adult siblings reuniting at Christmastime to say goodbye to their dying mother. The narrative was inspired by the death of Winslet's own mother, Sally Bridgers-Winslet, from ovarian cancer in 2017. Speaking to Sky News, Winslet expressed immense pride in her son, not just for his talent but for his ability to adapt to the collaborative filmmaking process, taking notes from Netflix and others while she helped protect the project's core vision.
An Actor's Director on Set
With decades of experience starring in iconic films like Titanic and Sense and Sensibility, Winslet used her insight from in front of the camera to shape the on-set environment. She prioritised creating a space where actors felt safe, informed, and free to explore their emotions.
"We know what works for us as actors from a director," Winslet explained. "We know what does not work, and we also know what's actively destructive." She emphasised the importance of a calm, clear set amidst the typical frantic pace of film production, a approach her cast deeply appreciated.
Praise from Co-Stars and a Hopeful Message
Co-star Timothy Spall, who first worked with Winslet when she was 20, was full of praise. He stated it was "not surprising she's such a good director," calling her "one of the great actresses in the world" who has paid attention to every aspect of filmmaking. He highlighted her skill in helping other actors deliver their best performance and her rapport with the entire crew.
Winslet hopes the film, which balances humour with its poignant subject, will resonate with audiences. "In this country, we're not necessarily so good at processing, especially when it comes to talking about grief," she said. "Hopefully through this film... people might see something of themselves and connect with it." The project also marks another collaboration with her daughter, Mia Threapleton, who previously appeared in Winslet's projects A Little Chaos and the BAFTA-winning series I Am….
