LEE
Release Date:
October 24
Cast:
Kate Winslet, Andy Samberg, Alexander Skarsgård, Marion Cotillard, Josh O’Connor, Andrea Riseborough, Noémie Merlant
Directed By: Ellen Kuras Written By: Liz Hannah, Marion Hume, John Collee
Produced By: Kate Winslet, Kate Solomon, Troy Lum, Andrew Mason, Marie Savare, Lauren Hantz
Film Review: LEE (2024) — A Triumph for Kate Winslet and War-Time Cinema
★★★★★ (5 stars)
After nearly a decade in the making, LEE finally graces the screen, thanks to the passion and persistence of its star and producer, Kate Winslet, alongside producer Kate Solomon. This film tells the compelling story of Lee Miller, a woman who defied convention, transforming from a model and muse into one of the most daring war correspondents of her time. For Winslet, this role is not just another character—it is the culmination of nine years of dedication to bring Miller’s extraordinary life into the spotlight.
Directed by Ellen Kuras, LEE benefits from a strong creative vision, seamlessly blending the intensity of war with the personal struggles of Miller. Winslet’s portrayal of Miller is nothing short of outstanding. Her ability to capture the strength, vulnerability, and complexity of Miller’s character truly elevates the film. It is a performance that feels deeply personal and is sure to garner award-season attention. Winslet breathes life into Miller’s courage as she faces the horrors of World War II, not with a weapon but with her camera, capturing images that would later define the era.
As with the cast, Winslet was able to pull in the friendships and working relationships she nurtured over the years to gather an incredible award-winning team. The cinematography by Pawel Edelman (The Pianist, Ray) is as breathtaking as it is haunting, drawing you into the grim realities of war while contrasting them with moments of artistic beauty. Production designer Gemma Jackson (Aladdin, The Gentlemen) creates a visual world that is both authentic and atmospheric, while costume designer Michael O’Connor (Ammonite, The Duchess) and hair and make-up designer Ivana Primorac (The Reader, Darkest Hour, Atonement) ensure every detail feels rooted in its historical context. Two-time Academy Award-winning composer Alexandre Desplat (The Shape of Water, The Grand Budapest Hotel) provides a stirring score that complements the film’s emotional depth.
The film also boasts an impressive cast, with performances by Andy Samberg, Alexander Skarsgård, Marion Cotillard, Josh O’Connor, Andrea Riseborough, and Noémie Merlant, all adding depth to the story of Miller’s journey.
LEE stands as one of the finest war-time films I’ve seen, not just for its historical accuracy but for its humanization of the conflict through Miller’s lens. Her bravery, her willingness to document the truth no matter the personal cost, resonates deeply, making this a powerful and unforgettable film experience.
Lee Miller lived so many lives, reinventing herself in a desire to be free of stereotypes, to know more, learn more, and be more. To be a leader among women, and as she famously said, “I’d rather take a picture than be one.” She was an incredible woman, and it is no surprise that Winslet wanted to tell her story—to bring her extraordinary achievements and her overwhelming emotional journey to light. She was a powerful women of her time and her legacy now lives on.
For its remarkable performances, top-tier cinematography, and its gripping portrayal of one woman’s courage, LEE earns a well-deserved 5 stars.
Caroline Russo