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Image Courtesy: People
Kate Winslet is stepping behind the camera for the first time, taking on the role of director for 'Goodbye June,' a deeply personal family drama coming soon to Netflix. PEOPLE has debuted the first trailer for the film, which marks Winslet’s directorial debut and is written by her son, Joe Anders.
What is 'Goodbye June' About?
Set during the holiday season, the story follows four adult siblings whose lives are thrown into turmoil when their mother's health suddenly changes. This shift sends the family—and their difficult, emotionally complex father—into chaos as they attempt to navigate long-standing tensions and unresolved issues. According to the film's synopsis, their mother June approaches her decline in a way that reflects her sharp humour, unfiltered honesty and unwavering love, choosing to handle her situation on her own terms.
Kate Winslet, 50, shared with PEOPLE that the film feels funny, heartfelt and grounded, and she explained that she connects deeply to the themes explored in the story. Having lost her own mother to cancer in 2017, she said she understands the emotional whirlwind the characters face as they brace for potential loss.
Themes in 'Goodbye June'
The filmmaker also reflected on the complicated nature of family relationships, explaining that the people we love most often challenge us in the most intense and meaningful ways—an idea she wanted to portray honestly on screen. She added that she hopes viewers feel seen, understood and entertained through her work, and 'Goodbye June' offered her an opportunity to capture the messy reality of family life and grief.
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Image Courtesy: People
The Netflix film features a standout ensemble cast, including Kate Winslet, Toni Collette, Johnny Flynn, Andrea Riseborough, Timothy Spall and Helen Mirren, along with Stephen Merchant, Fisayo Akinade, Jeremy Swift and Raza Jaffrey. Winslet said that assembling such a remarkable group of actors was one of the most exciting parts of directing for the first time, explaining that being surrounded by exceptional talent felt creatively energising.
She emphasised that bringing together performers known for both their skill and their kindness was essential, as the cast needed to trust one another to explore the film's intense emotional terrain. Creating a joyful, supportive atmosphere on set was a priority for her.
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Image Courtesy: People
Development Process of 'Goodbye June'
Winslet revealed that she and Anders spent the development process imagining exactly who would be right for each role, and remarkably, the actors they envisioned were the only ones approached for the film. She said the cast fit together naturally, forming a believable fictional family, and she felt grateful when each of them agreed to join the project.
'Goodbye June' arrives in select theatres on 12th December and begins streaming worldwide on Netflix on 24th December.
