A powerful World War II drama critics are calling a “masterpiece” is streaming now – and it tells the remarkable true story of a woman whose photographs changed the way the world saw the conflict.
Lee (2023), starring Kate Winslet, is based on the life of British photographer Lee Miller, who abandoned a career as a model to become one of the most important war correspondents of the 20th century.
The film follows her journey from fashion shoots in Vogue to the frontline of Europe, where she documented the liberation of Paris and the horrors of the Nazi concentration camps.
Winslet, who also produced the film, has been praised for delivering what some viewers have described as one of her finest ever performances. On Rotten Tomatoes, the audience response has been overwhelmingly emotional since its release.
One review reads: “Just an amazing picture. I was shocked, moved to tears and left with such a beautiful picture of what Ms. Lee Miller was. Amazing acting by the beautiful Kate Winslet. Definitely rewatching this masterpiece.”
Another added: “Possibly Kate Winslet’s best performance. Shining light on the harsh reality of WW2. This story is very important and needs to be watched by all.”
The film does not shy away from the brutality of history, depicting Miller’s resilience as she used her camera to capture evidence of war crimes and human suffering.
Viewers have described it as both devastating and essential. One wrote: “Masterpiece. Incredible multifaceted and deep performance by Kate Winslet, beautifully written, filmed, scored. No words really – this is one of those honest films that can change lives.”
Directed by Ellen Kuras, Lee also stars Alexander Skarsgård, Andrea Riseborough, and Andy Samberg, weaving together both Miller’s personal life and her work on the front lines. The film has been singled out not just for its performances but also for the way it balances intimate human storytelling with the epic scale of the war.
For Winslet, the role was years in the making, having worked tirelessly to bring Miller’s little-known story to the screen. She told press ahead of its release that Miller “should be a household name” and that her photographs “changed the course of history.”
Lee is available to watch with a Sky subscription and on NOW.