Acclaimed actress Toni Collette has revealed she was moved to tears upon learning that Kate Winslet wanted her for a pivotal role in Winslet's directorial debut. The film, Goodbye June, began streaming on Netflix on December 24, 2025.
A Dream Collaboration Forged
Despite their parallel careers in film, Collette and Winslet had never actually met before the project. Collette described a long-held, mutual admiration that was facilitated through a mutual friend. The chance to finally work together, and on Winslet's first film as a director, proved overwhelmingly emotional for the Australian star.
"When I got the call about being a part of this, I actually was in a public place. I put a napkin over my head and cried because she was at the top of my list," Collette confessed, laughing at the memory. She called it an "honour" to be handpicked not only for the debut but to play Winslet's on-screen sister, Helen, the family's black sheep.
Goodbye June: A Family Story of Life
The Netflix film gathers an impressive ensemble cast including Dame Helen Mirren, Timothy Spall, Andrea Riseborough, Johnny Flynn, and Stephen Merchant. It follows a dysfunctional family convening at Christmas as their mother battles cancer in hospital.
Penned by Winslet's 21-year-old son, Joe Anders, the script tackles profound loss with care and humour. "It could so easily have become a story about a woman dying, but it's actually about a family living and reuniting," Collette explained. She believes the film's themes are universal, stating, "I don't think there's anyone who won't relate to it."
Collette praised Winslet's directorial prowess, calling her "f***ing amazing" for a first-timer. She highlighted Winslet's preparation and ability to create an atmosphere of ease on set, crediting their shared acting backgrounds with giving Winslet a unique directorial insight.
Reuniting with a Legend and Finding a New Family
A particular highlight for Collette was reuniting with Dame Helen Mirren, with whom she had worked on 2012's 'Hitchcock'. Collette felt she wasn't "fully evolved" as a person during their first collaboration and was thrilled for a second chance. Her sentiment was echoed by Mirren herself, which Collette found "mind-blowing."
The cast bonded deeply during a week of rehearsals filled with tea, scrambled eggs, and intimate conversation. "We didn't want it to end," Collette said, describing the group as a family. "You can't orchestrate this kind of thing, I just feel really lucky to be a part of it."
Navigating Dark Roles and Directorial Ambitions
Known for emotionally draining roles in projects like 'Hereditary' and 'Unbelievable', Collette discussed learning to protect her wellbeing. After a "track history" of collapsing at the end of films, she took conscious care during 'Hereditary'. She has a firm stance on method acting, stating simply, "No I'm not." However, she is mindful of how her body absorbs the feelings she portrays.
Looking ahead, Collette expressed her own desire to step behind the camera, with several projects she's trying to develop. She is a staunch advocate for working with first-time directors, having done so on 'Little Miss Sunshine' and 'Hereditary'. "You'd be surprised at the amount of directors who do not have a vision," she noted, contrasting them with passionate newcomers.
Reflecting on a career spanning over three decades, Collette attributes her resilience to staying grounded and following her heart. "I've done a couple of jobs just for money – I'll never f***ing do it again," she admitted. "I really try to just follow my heart and listen to what is meaningful to me."
Goodbye June is available to stream exclusively on Netflix now.
