Helen Mirren Leads a Distinguished Cast in Family Drama, 'Goodbye June'

"Winslet, making her feature directorial debut, isn't doing anything flashy here, with stylish choices or long takes, like Anders' father Sam Mendes might. She shoots it simply, which is fitting for the story. This is a piece about characters and Winslet gives her actors space to build people that by and large feel pretty real - the standouts are really Flynn, as the sensitive son still living at home and closest to his parents, and Spall, believably oblivious in that charmingly British way."

"Terminal illness, estranged adult siblings and hospital rooms are certainly not going to be everyone's cup of tea around the holidays, but you probably already know by this point whether this is an experience you want to sign up for. It remains a mystery why so many holiday movies feel the need to include a dying mother. Perhaps it's because, from an emotional standpoint, it rarely misses."

Kate Winslet directs, produces and stars in Goodbye June, a film written by her son Joe Anders that opens in limited release and streams on Netflix Dec. 24. The story centers on June, a terminally ill mother who prefers to remain hospitalized, and her estranged adult children who must confront grief and family dynamics. Winslet's restrained directorial approach emphasizes character work and lets actors develop believable roles, with Johnny Flynn and Timothy Spall singled out as standouts. The narrative follows mostly expected beats as each child faces June, and the film contains moments of grace, humor and emotional insight despite some questionable choices.

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