MUMBAI: History may move forward without witnesses, but Lee Miller refused to let it unfold unseen. Set against the turbulent backdrop of World War II, Lee traces the remarkable transformation of Miller — a celebrated fashion model who walked away from glamour and comfort to become one of the most courageous and boundary-breaking war correspondents of her generation.
Bringing her story to life with extraordinary depth, Academy Award winner Kate Winslet embodies a woman determined not to stand on the sidelines of history, but to capture its hardest truths, often at immense personal sacrifice.
Releasing in India on 5 December, exclusively on Lionsgate Play, Lee delivers a gripping narrative that feels both profoundly historical and powerfully relevant to the world today.
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Directed by acclaimed cinematographer-turned-filmmaker Ellen Kuras, Lee brings to life a startlingly relevant story rooted in courage, artistic rebellion, and the unflinching pursuit of truth.
Kate Winslet delivers a commanding portrayal of Miller’s bold, uncompromising spirit in this visually arresting drama directed by cinematographer-turned-filmmaker Ellen Kuras.
The film traces Miller’s extraordinary journey from the vibrant artistic and political circles of pre-war Europe to the harsh, unforgiving front lines of World War II.
As Miller moves through occupied territories, documents the aftermath of brutality, and enters spaces where women were rarely permitted, she redefines what it means to be both a journalist and a witness to history.
Her unmatched determination and artistic eye produced some of the most unforgettable war images of the 20th century, including the now-iconic photograph of Miller defiantly bathing in Hitler’s private bathtub.
As Lee unfolds, the film delves deeply into the woman behind the lens — exploring Miller’s relationships, private struggles, and the heavy emotional toll of bearing witness to history’s darkest chapters.
While it does not shy away from the brutal realities of war, the film also highlights the fleeting yet powerful moments of humanity that manage to endure amid chaos.
The result is a compelling portrait of strength, vulnerability, and the unsettling clarity that comes from seeing far more than most.
With exceptional performances from Alexander Skarsgård, Marion Cotillard, Josh O’Connor, Andrea Riseborough, Noémie Merlant, Samuel Barnett, and Andy Samberg alongside Kate Winslet, Lee creates a richly textured world shaped by the intersections of art, politics, love, and violence.
Kate Winslet on Lee Miller: “She was already doing everything I aspire to — and doing it better”
In this exclusive interview setting, Winslet reflects on the extraordinary woman whose life she portrays:
Kate Winslet:
“I’m utterly taken by Lee — by how she lived, by how boldly she made her choices, and by the way she never cared for anyone’s judgement. She connected deeply with women, encouraged others to speak their truth, and pursued honesty at all costs. That’s everything I personally believe in, and Lee was doing all of it decades before I was — and far more fearlessly.”
Winslet describes the role as both a privilege and a profound responsibility.
“To portray someone I admire so intensely someone who saw the world through her own uncompromising lens is the greatest honour. Lee devoted herself to giving a voice to those who couldn’t speak for themselves. She embodied a rare blend of femininity, power, and independence. Her message still guides us.”
According to Winslet, Miller’s commitment to truth set her apart as both an artist and journalist.
“She was a truth-seeker and a truth-teller. That’s what drove her to expose the brutal reality of the Nazi regime. Even when it cost her emotionally, she never wavered. She looked straight into the face of evil, and she documented it for the world.”
A Journey from Glamour to the Front Lines
Lee follows Miller’s dramatic evolution from fashion icon to fearless war correspondent. Travelling across war-torn Europe, Miller captured some of the most harrowing and historically important images of World War II. Among them is one of the century’s most unforgettable photographs — Miller bathing defiantly in Hitler’s private bathtub.
Director Ellen Kuras traces Miller’s life from the artistic circles of pre-war Europe to the front lines where she bore witness to horror, resilience, and the flickers of humanity that survived amid devastation.
Antony Penrose: “Kate asks the same questions my mother would have asked”
Lee Miller’s son, Antony Penrose, reveals how Winslet’s commitment to authenticity made her the perfect match for this role:
Antony Penrose:
“Many men have tried to make a film about my mother — we have a box full of old screenplays that never felt right. They simply didn’t understand her essence. But conversations with Kate were uncanny. She’d ask the exact questions Lee would have asked. She always probed deeper, always wanted to know ‘why’ and ‘how’.”
Penrose highlights the similarities between Winslet and his mother:
“Lee would break into a locked building if she needed to, or study a recipe until she knew it like a master chef. Kate has the same immersive quality. She left no stone unturned — and when she’d turned them all, she went searching for more.”
A Stellar Ensemble Brings Miller’s World to Life
Alongside Winslet, the film features a remarkable supporting cast including Alexander Skarsgård, Marion Cotillard, Josh O’Connor, Andrea Riseborough, Noémie Merlant, Samuel Barnett, and Andy Samberg. Together, they create a vivid portrait of the turbulent artistic, political, and emotional world Miller navigated.
The Heart of “LEE”: A Woman Who Refused to Look Away
Through its interview-driven narrative, Lee uncovers the woman behind the camera her relationships, her internal conflicts, and the emotional toll of witnessing humanity at its darkest. The film refuses to shy away from the horrors of war, yet still finds space for fleeting moments of tenderness and resilience.
It is a story of a woman who lived boldly, loved fiercely, and reshaped history with the images she refused to stop capturing.
Official Synopsis:
In “Lee”, war photographer Lee Miller transforms from celebrated model to unstoppable frontline correspondent as she confronts the brutal truths of World War II. Amid betrayal, personal turmoil, and the chaos of battle, she exposes hidden horrors while documenting history with fearless clarity. Her relentless pursuit of authenticity reveals the pain, courage, and complexities that define her enduring legacy.
Credits:
Director: Ellen Kuras
Cast: Kate Winslet, Andy Samberg, Alexander Skarsgård
Lionsgate Play
Lionsgate Play, a premium streaming service from Lionsgate India and Starz, aims to offer its users a quality of content that is second to none. With a library of premium content, binge-worthy franchises and Premieres, Lionsgate Play looks to stand at the pinnacle of content that is bold, inclusive, provocative, empowering and engaging. The platform brings its viewers a unique viewing experience with a widely distributed network in the region spanning partnerships like Bharti Airtel, Prime Video Channels, Tata Play Binge, Jio FTTH, Apple TV+, Amazon Firestick, OTTplay, Watcho, BSNL, OEMs with an ambitious roadmap ahead. Lionsgate Play app can be downloaded on Google Play Store, Apple app store, and Amazon Firestick at a quarterly and yearly subscription of INR 399 and INR 799, respectively.
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