Kate Winslet Made a Film Based on Her Son's Script. Here's What We Know About "Goodbye June"

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Kate Winslet has taken a bold new career step — her directorial debut "Goodbye, June" premieres on Netflix December 24th. The story was written by someone who knows her better than anyone else — the actress's own son, 21-year-old Joe Anders.

What the film is about

The story unfolds on the eve of Christmas. Four adult children return to their family home when they learn about their mother June's serious illness.

As they try to navigate complicated relationships with their father and each other, the main character decides to face her departure on her own terms — with ironic honesty, strong character, and love for those closest to her.
Actress Kate Winslet in a beige coat gives directions to a man with a camera
Behind-the-scenes shot from "Goodbye June"
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June is played by Helen Mirren, and she's joined by Toni Collette, Andrea Riseborough, as well as Johnny Flynn and Timothy Spall. herself also appears on screen.

Everything we know about the film

Kate Winslet's debut

After dozens of iconic roles, the actress has stepped behind the camera for the first time. She told Deadline that years of working with different directors influenced this decision: "I've been on sets long enough to know what works and what doesn't."

Her son's screenplay

Joe Anders grew up surrounded by cinema and was inspired to write his own script. Winslet admitted that after reading his screenplay, she simply couldn't hand the project over to another director.

Filming

The movie was shot in London and surrounding areas, including the St. Mary's University campus in Twickenham. Production ran from February to April 2025.

Release

The world premiere happened quietly earlier this year, but the full theatrical release is set for December 12, with the film hitting Netflix just days later.
Actress Kate Winslet sits behind the wheel of a car while actress Toni Collette talks on the phone beside her
Scene from "Goodbye June"
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Cast reactions

Toni Collette posted on social media after wrapping: "Didn't want it to end. My heart is breaking."

Why you should anticipate the premiere

"Goodbye June" promises to be more than just a holiday drama — it's a deeply personal project where family relationships on screen mirror those behind the scenes. This is a story about how even when facing loss, there's still room for love, humor, and new beginnings.

For Kate Winslet, it's a chance to prove that truly talented people excel at everything they touch. Now she's not just an actress, but a director too. How good of one? We'll find out at the end of the year. Earlier on zoomboola.com, we reported that the creator of "True Detective" is making a new series with Matthew McConaughey.