Kate Winslet is having a quietly huge December — and not just because of her antics with James Cameron on Pandora. Her intimate R-rated drama Goodbye June has quickly become a global streaming hit on Netflix, climbing to the No. 3 most-watched movie worldwide just days after its debut on the platform. That’s an impressive showing for a small-scale family drama, especially one that also marks Winslet’s directorial debut.
The film premiered in select theaters on December 12 before landing on Netflix on December 24, and it didn’t take long for audiences to find it. As of now, Goodbye June is outperforming titles like Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, Hero Dog: The Journey Home, Tomb Raider (2018), and A Time for Bravery.
Written and directed by Winslet, she’s brought with her the cream of the crop when it comes to acting talent: Helen Mirren, Timothy Spall, Andrea Riseborough, Toni Collette, Stephen Merchant, Johnny Flynn, and James Trevelyan Buckle join her on screen. The story follows a group of siblings who reunite over the holidays to comfort their dying mother, leaning heavily into grief, unresolved tension, and the emotional landmines of family dynamics.
How Good Is ‘Goodbye June’?
Critically, the response has been more mixed than the viewership numbers might suggest. On Rotten Tomatoes, Goodbye June currently holds a 67% critics’ score, with praise largely centered on the performances rather than the storytelling. Audiences have been a bit more forgiving, pushing the film to a 76% Popcornmeter score, suggesting broader acceptance among general viewers. Collider’s Isabella Soares was one of the voices hailing the movie and Winsley’s directorial voice, as well as her undeniable talent as one of the finest actors of her generation, adding:
“Overall, Goodbye June proves Winslet is just as talented onscreen as she is calling the shots, bringing a raw approach to this already emotionally-driven story. Through her thoughtful direction, the ensemble is able to deliver a convincing portrayal of a dysfunctional yet loving family dealing with potential loss and precocious grief. An instant tearjerker with comedic undertones, this might be the next holiday classic people will want to revisit over and over. It might not be the rom-com that made Winslet a holiday staple, but it is a film that reminds viewers of the value of family during both merry occasions and trying times.”
Goodbye June is streaming now on Netflix.
- Release Date
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December 12, 2025
- Runtime
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114 minutes
- Director
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Kate Winslet
