Kate Winslet's directorial debut, "Goodbye June," has arrived in select cinemas and is set to stream on Netflix this Christmas season. The film, a Christmas family drama, explores themes of grief, reconciliation, and love as a family gathers around their dying mother. While Winslet ultimately took on the roles of director, actor, and producer, her initial plan was quite different.

Winslet initially only intended to star in and produce the movie. She revealed to Digital Spy that she "desperately tried to recast" herself, having a list of potential replacements. However, Netflix reportedly resisted the idea. Moreover, Winslet felt compelled to work alongside the "incredible actors" she had already cast, making it impossible to step away entirely. The cast includes Helen Mirren, Toni Collette, Johnny Flynn, Andrea Riseborough, and Timothy Spall.

Winslet's decision to direct "Goodbye June" was also driven by a desire to advocate for women in film. Speaking on the Kermode & Mayo's Take podcast, she highlighted the different treatment female directors receive compared to their male counterparts. Winslet noted the societal assumption that male actors transitioning to directing "will automatically know what they're doing," a courtesy not always extended to women. She expressed pride in directing the film "at a time that I think the film industry is struggling".

Winslet also opened up about the financial realities of directing an independent film as a woman. She revealed that some crew members, including department heads, worked for "less than their weekly rate" to support the project.

The film was penned by Winslet's son, Joe Anders, drawing inspiration from the loss of Winslet's mother to ovarian cancer in 2017. Winslet explained that her son was encouraged to write about something he knew, resulting in a screenplay that deeply resonated with her.

To create an intimate atmosphere on set, Winslet adopted unconventional filming methods, such as using small microphones on actors instead of traditional boom equipment. She also prioritized creating a relatable story, hoping viewers would recognize their own experiences within the film's narrative.

"Goodbye June" marks a significant milestone in Winslet's career, showcasing her talent not only as an actress but also as a director with a clear vision. Despite her initial reluctance to take on the directorial role, Winslet ultimately embraced the challenge, delivering a film that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.