Kate Winslet fans tearful over emotional Netflix film on platform now | Films | Entertainment

Many will be settling in for festive film favourites this Christmas, from Love Actually to The Grinch or The Holiday. Yet those seeking something more emotionally profound might want to discover Goodbye June, which arrives on Netflix today (December 24).

This marks Kate Winslet’s directorial debut, featuring a screenplay penned by her son Joe Anders. The stellar ensemble cast includes Toni Collette, Johnny Flynn, Andrea Riseborough, Timothy Spall, Helen Mirren, and Winslet herself.

Set against a Christmas backdrop, the story follows characters gathering around their ailing mother, exploring profound themes of loss, healing, and affection.

Winslet revealed she hadn’t originally planned to helm the project, but after discovering Anders’ script, she chose to wear multiple hats as director, performer, and producer.

The 50-year-old actress has highlighted the healing qualities of the narrative, calling it “about family, not just about death.”

She deliberately chose several department heads who were newcomers to the field, including composer Ben Harlan, production designer Alison Harvey, and costume designer Grace Clark, underlining her commitment to nurturing fresh talent.

Winslet also employed innovative filming techniques, utilising compact microphones on performers rather than conventional boom apparatus, to foster a more personal environment during production.

Cinema enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting this film, which critics have hailed as “so important”. One viewer penned: “There isn’t enough credit that goes to palliative care workers, their words and actions stay with the dying’s family forever. This film is so important.”

Another shared: “My grandmother was dying of an aggressive form of cancer over the Christmas period. My two uncles came over from New Zealand to the UK. Myself, my sister, dad, mum and two uncles lived with and cared for my grandmother in the last weeks of her life.

“It was obviously very sad but also great fun at the same time, filled with dinners and laughter and watching Bridgerton until 2am with my uncle (lol). And my grandmother had all three of her children under one roof for the first time in decades. She died on the 3rd of January, 2 days after we had rung in the new year with her for the last time. I want to watch this film badly.”

A third confessed: “I’m already bawling my eyes out and this is just the trailer.”

Meanwhile, someone else concurred: “My tears already cover my eyes just because of this trailer. The full movie will make cost a lot more for sure.”

The film, which premiered in selected cinemas across the UK and US on December 12 this year, will become available to stream on Netflix from December 24, 2025.