Lee Review: Kate Winslet Is Amazing As A War-Time Photojournalist

RATING – ⭐⭐⭐ 3/5

Lee Review Movie Talkies:

Lee is a wartime biographical drama based on the life and legacy of celebrated photojournalist Lee Miller. During World War II, Miller was in her mid-30s, so casting Kate Winslet — who was nearing 50 when the film was shot — might initially seem like a creative liberty. But once the film begins, it becomes clear that no one else could have portrayed Miller with the same emotional intelligence and lived-in maturity. Winslet’s strong performance keeps the narrative compelling even as the film wrestles with familiar biopic conventions and well-worn war-drama tropes. We have witnessed brutal depictions of war countless times on screen, but Lee asks us to consider what it means to stand in the middle of it all — to witness humanity’s darkest horrors firsthand and still find the strength to document them. The fear, the trembling hands behind the camera, the question of whether capturing these images is an act of bravery or burden — this film brings that conflicted emotional state to the forefront. It’s in these moments that Lee finds its voice.

Lee Story:

The narrative opens with an older Lee Miller (Kate Winslet) reluctantly agreeing to an interview. Her hesitation immediately reflects a past filled with trauma and memories she would rather leave undisturbed. The film then transports us back to 1938, when she meets Roland Penrose (Alexander Skarsgard), the man who becomes the love of her life. Soon after, the couple is living in London, and Lee lands a job at Vogue magazine. But as World War II erupts and chaos spreads across Europe, Lee’s ambitions shift to documenting the harsh realities of global conflict. In 1941, she is assigned as a war correspondent alongside fellow photojournalist David Scherman (Andy Samberg). Through Lee’s lens, we begin to see a world stripped of glamor — cities reduced to rubble, civilians caught in despair, and the cruel dehumanization inflicted on innocent lives. The film follows her journey through war-torn territories as she captures moments of history that should never be forgotten.

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With a runtime of just under two hours, Lee manages to maintain a steady pace without dragging. While Miller’s personal relationships may not always grip the audience, her frontline experiences certainly do. Some scenes are unsettling in nature — though perhaps less shocking if one has seen more graphic wartime portrayals. A standout moment arrives when Lee casually bathes in Hitler’s apartment, posing for a photo beside his framed portrait — a darkly humorous symbol of resistance and personal triumph. The final act carries a heavy emotional weight as the film reveals how much of Miller’s courageous work was overshadowed or overlooked in the years that followed. It’s a heartbreaking reminder of how often women’s contributions in history are diminished — and that alone makes her story worth telling on film.

Lee Cast:

As expected, Kate Winslet dominates the screen. She delivers a performance that feels raw, fierce, and deeply human. Whether conveying unspoken grief or flashes of defiant determination, she remains magnetic throughout. There are a couple of brief nude scenes, but they are presented with dignity, never overshadowing her textured portrayal. Andy Samberg surprises with a more grounded, gentle approach than his usual comedic style. Alexander Skarsgard brings warmth as Roland, while Marion Cotillard, Andrea Riseborough, and Noémie Merlant offer meaningful support despite limited screen time.

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Lee Movie Review:

Technically, the film shows craftsmanship. The cinematography creates striking compositions, though the overtly dark color palette may feel slightly excessive. The background score could have used more impact to match the emotional intensity of the subject matter. Production design, however, effectively captures the period, and the editing ensures the narrative moves with reasonable rhythm, even if the second half slows down a bit. Director Ellen Kuras treats the material with sensitivity and respect, paying tribute to a woman who risked everything to ensure the world saw the truth. Whether one considers Miller a widely essential historical figure may vary, especially given the abundance of films set during World Wars I and II. Yet Lee offers something undeniably sincere — a reminder of the resilience, empathy, and courage that lie behind every photograph documenting human suffering. Watch it for Kate Winslet, and for the powerful human story behind the camera.

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