Goodbye June review: It’s a moment worth celebrating that one of the finest contemporary actors–Kate Winslet–makes her directorial debut with Goodbye June, as well as acts in it. The movie, written by her son Joe Anders, is a sappy and poignant movie centered around a much-adored matriarch, who is hospitalised some days ahead of Christmas.
The matriarch June, played by Helen Mirren, is the glue who keeps the family together in spite of their differences. Her sudden hospitalisation and deteriorating health due to cancer relapse bring the four siblings and their exasperated father together. This also reveals the messy family dynamics and resentments. As the film is soaked in the pre-Christmas vibes, one gets the feeling that these issues will be sorted out and they eventually do. However, the process of how that happens is not as engaging for the viewers as it should have been.
Anders, of course, seems sincere as he draws the story from a personal place, remembering how his family was around his grandmother when they lost her. While he has drawn out the characters well and created some moving moments in this movie, the script lacks nuance and layers. Even though the movie features several brilliant actors — Toni Collette, Johnny Flynn, Andrea Riseborough and Timothy Spall — and their heartfelt performances, it still remains simplistic, leaning on emotional shortcuts.
As someone whose presence looms large even as her health fades, Helen Mirren’s character is meant to be quick-witted and spirited. But, the script fails to bring that out. In one of the moving scenes, Kate Winslet, who plays the role of her professionally successful and responsible daughter, moves Mirren’s bed close to the hospital bed so that she can watch the snowfall. Mirren asks Winslet for mascara and lipstick to look better and perk herself up. This offers a glimpse of Mirren’s spirit.
Though Mirren is the titular protagonist, Winslet does the heavy lifting as a prominent member of this ensemble cast. She and Andrea Riseborough, who plays her younger sister, have an emotionally-charged scene where they address their years of conflict. It reveals how, at times, certain things inexplicably go wrong between siblings. But the film offers a quick resolution to this with the help of a bar of chocolate. The differences between Johnny Flynn and Timothy Spall, who play son and father, respectively, are also resolved similarly, albeit with the help of music.
Goodbye June works as a Christmas film steeped in sentiment and nostalgia, celebrating the enduring strength of family bonds. With greater emotional depth and narrative complexity, it could have secured a place in favourite festival watchlists.
Story continues below this ad
Goodbye June movie director: Kate Winslet Goodbye June movie cast: Toni Collette, Johnny Flynn, Andrea Riseborough, Timothy Spall, Kate Winslet and Helen Mirren Goodbye June movie rating: Two stars
Alaka Sahani is a prominent film critic and journalist based in Mumbai. With a career spanning over two decades, she has established herself as one of India’s most authoritative voices in cinematic journalism, known for an analytical approach and insights that transcend the standard cycle of celebrity journalism.
Expertise & Accolades
In 2014, Alaka was honoured with the National Film Award for Best Film Critic. Her Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) citation specifically lauded her for "highlighting facets of cinema beyond glamour and gossip" and for her ability to delve into the contemporary relevance of iconic filmmakers. Her commitment to journalistic integrity was further recognised in 2019 with a Special Mention at the Red Ink Awards for her investigative feature, 'In Search of a Star'. Her article titled 'People Like Us', published in The Indian Express on March 27, 2022, was shortlisted for Red Ink Award, 2023.
Global Industry Leadership
Alaka’s expertise is sought after by major international and domestic film bodies:
Golden Globes: In 2025, she joined the international voting body for the 83rd Annual Golden Globes.
National Film Awards: She served on the prestigious jury for the 68th National Film Awards, helping select the finest contributions to Indian cinema.
Global Perspective: Her work consistently bridges the gap between commercial Bollywood A-listers and emerging independent talents, offering nuanced insights into both Indian regional cinema and international film trends.
Focus & Vision
Beyond the screen, Alaka is a dedicated observer of Mumbai’s vibrant theatre scene and the historical evolution of the moving image. Through her long-form articles and deep-dive interviews, she continues to challenge "tried-and-tested" templates, providing readers with a deep understanding of the artistic and systemic workings of the Indian and global film industry. ... Read More
