Kate Winslet and Timothy Spall’s stunning Netflix drama with the year’s best cast will break you

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Christmas is a special time for family – remembering loved ones who are with us and those we miss. While it can be a busy and emotional season, it’s also a chance to create new memories and reconnect with people. Sometimes, the best part is simply relaxing with a movie after a delicious Christmas dinner.

You might notice the new movie Goodbye June is now available on Netflix, and the chance to see Kate Winslet and Timothy Spall could tempt you to watch it. Just be aware it’s not a typical feel-good Christmas movie. Unlike some, like My Secret Santa – a real movie about a woman who disguises herself as an old man to become a Santa at a ski resort and then falls for the owner’s son – Goodbye June is different.

Rather than being a typical holiday movie, this film masterfully blends familiar Christmas themes – like cherished memories, sadness, and family connections – into a moving, genuine, and well-acted story, featuring a fantastic cast. Whether you’ll enjoy watching it during the holidays depends on your mood, as Goodbye June is a very emotional film that will likely make you cry.

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The film Goodbye June begins on a typical morning: June (Helen Mirren) is making tea, her husband Bernie (Timothy Spall) is using the bathroom, and their adult son Connor (Johnny Flynn) is still in bed. This normal routine is disrupted when June suddenly collapses and is taken to the hospital, leaving Connor to quickly contact his sisters.

Everyone gathers at the hospital, except for Helen (Toni Collette), who lives abroad. They receive the heartbreaking news that June’s cancer has spread and she doesn’t have much time left. While her children argue about how to best support her, June takes charge and decides to remain in the hospital, leaving them to figure out how to deal with the situation.

Let’s be honest, Goodbye June is a heartbreaking film about a woman’s slow decline and the difficult time her family has accepting what’s happening. It’s not a secret – the title itself tells you this, and the movie doesn’t pretend there will be a last-minute rescue. Even if you haven’t personally dealt with a loss, this film is likely to be deeply upsetting. Definitely not lighthearted holiday entertainment!

Joe Anders’ script cleverly captures a very British trait: finding humor even in sad situations. Goodbye June is a funny play, whether you’re laughing at June’s dark jokes about her own death or the cluelessness of her grandchildren, who are more interested in snacks than what’s really happening.

As a huge Kate Winslet fan, I was so impressed with her directing here! It’s a really tricky thing to balance humor and heartbreak, and she nails it. There’s this scene with the kids putting on a Nativity play for June, and honestly, I was switching between laughing at how messy and sweet it was, and then completely tearing up because you realize it’s the last one she’ll ever get to see. It’s just beautifully done.

Even though the story occasionally relies on familiar tropes – like the seemingly perfect person hiding inner struggles, or predictable outcomes – the film is saved by its incredible cast. They bring genuine emotion and believable family dynamics to their roles, avoiding stereotypical performances and creating truly authentic characters. It’s an especially impressive feat for a debut feature.

While the entire cast is strong, Fisayo Akinade – known for his role as Mr. Ajayi in Heartstopper – truly stands out. He gives a wonderful performance as Nurse Angel, helping the family prepare for meaningful farewells to June.

Okay, so everyone has great scenes – Bernie’s karaoke is seriously moving, and the fight between Julia and Molly over a Snickers bar is surprisingly intense! But honestly, Nurse Angel is the one who really stuck with me. He’s just this incredibly calming and warm presence, especially when all the old drama starts coming out. I think he’s the character I’ll be thinking about long after the credits roll.

Despite its sad moments, many found the film Goodbye June surprisingly helpful in dealing with grief, because it honestly addresses death. The movie ultimately offers a hopeful message from June, explaining that cherished memories keep loved ones alive in our hearts, and that families can find strength and closeness even after a terrible loss.

This film won’t necessarily make the rest of the movie any easier to watch, and it might be too intense for some viewers, especially around the holidays. However, if you’re prepared to face difficult emotions, Goodbye June is a rewarding experience.

The film Goodbye June will be shown in some UK cinemas starting December 12th, and will be available to stream on Netflix from December 24th.

Enjoy the holidays with the Good Housekeeping Christmas TV Guide! It’s packed with 14 days of listings to help you plan your festive viewing, and it’s available now for just £4.75 at all good magazine shops.

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2025-12-11 20:23