Goodbye June adds director to Kate Winslet’s list of accomplishments. She also stars in this touching story about a family as it comes together for the passing of the family matriarch, played by Helen Mirren.

Goodbye June was written by Kate Winslet’s son, Joe Anders. It’s a big sprawling family story about dying – and living. Winslet wasn’t taking any chances with the cast – it’s stuffed with outstanding actors who could make anything shine. This is a meaningful story with some powerful, funny, and touching moments.

June (Helen Mirren) and her husband Bernie (Timothy Spall) are getting up in age. They need more help than they admit needing. Their son Connor (Johnny Flynn) lives with them. Connor is the one who calls the family to the hospital when June collapses while making a cup of tea.

Two of the daughters live nearby. Molly (Andrea Riseborough) is married to Jerry (Stephen Merchant). They have a lot of children. I never got a total count. Molly is angry at her sister and the two of them argue over everything, including their mother’s care.

Julia (Kate Winslet) has several children and a high paying job. But her husband works outside the country and she’s swamped with responsibilities.

The third sister, Helen (Toni Collette), lives in the U.S. and has what we used to call a ‘new age’ personality. Not sure what it’s called these days, but she’s an oddball. When she shows up the family learns she is pregnant for the first time in her life. A geriatric pregnancy.

With June in the hospital under the tender nursing care of Nurse Angel (Fisayo Akinade) we get to know June and all the other family members as they cluster around her.

They wanted to take June home. She wanted to stay in the hospital. (At least when they all left she could get some rest!) The doctors let them know she was dying. The various members of the family dealt with it in their individual ways.

Some humor helps and the children are all very lovable. There are a few surprises like Timothy Spall singing a Ray Charles song. Bet you never thought you’d see that in a movie. Helen Mirren dies fabulously.

There were tender moments. A favorite for me was when June and Conner were alone in her hospital room and she asked him to read aloud from his book. He read an e. e. cummings poem that was appropriate and beautiful.

Kate Winslet’s approach to directing was very straight forward. Just tell the story and don’t do anything too flashy. It worked. I don’t know if this is a one and done kind of deal because her son wrote the script, but I would definitely support her further efforts in directing if she is so inclined.

Goodbye June is streaming on Netflix.