Lee (2024) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
The 2024 biopic Lee, starring Kate Winslet as American photographer Lee Miller, offers a compelling portrait of one of the most overlooked women in history. Directed by Ellen Kuras, this film captures Miller’s transition from a celebrated fashion model to a fearless war correspondent during World War II. The movie delves into Miller’s complex life, personal struggles, and her relentless pursuit to document the harsh realities of war through a female lens. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the film, its performances, and the potential streaming services where audiences can expect to watch Lee online after its theatrical run.
Plot Overview: A War Photographer’s Eye on Humanity
Lee is a biographical drama focusing on Lee Miller’s pivotal role as a female war correspondent during World War II. The film begins with Miller’s early years as a model and muse for surrealist artist Man Ray before shifting to her transition behind the camera. Through her sharp eye for detail and her understanding of power dynamics, Miller’s photography during the war captured a raw and intimate portrayal of humanity amidst destruction. Winslet’s portrayal of Lee Miller takes the audience through key moments in her life, from the liberation of France to the horrors she witnessed in Nazi concentration camps.
The film’s narrative is framed by Miller recounting her wartime experiences to her son Antony Penrose (played by Josh O’Connor), giving the audience a personal and emotionally charged lens on her storied career.
Kate Winslet’s Commanding Performance as Lee Miller
Kate Winslet delivers a powerful performance that brings the multi-faceted personality of Lee Miller to life. From the beginning, Winslet’s portrayal is intense, as she embodies the courage and defiance that defined Miller’s career. The character’s emotional depth is highlighted in moments of personal pain and resilience, notably as she confronts the trauma of witnessing atrocities like the Holocaust. Winslet’s portrayal of Miller’s haunted expressions and physical exhaustion after years in the warzone is nothing short of award-worthy.
Supporting cast members include Andy Samberg, who plays photographer David E. Scherman, Miller’s closest colleague during the war. Samberg’s performance brings both levity and depth to their relationship, creating a memorable dynamic. Marion Cotillard and Noémie Merlant also deliver notable performances as Miller’s friends, though their screen time is limited.
Direction and Cinematography: A Visually Driven Narrative
Directed by Ellen Kuras, Lee stands out for its haunting cinematography, which captures the emotional depth and complexities of Miller’s world. Kuras, best known for her work as a cinematographer on Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, uses her expertise behind the camera to build a film that is both beautiful and brutal. The contrast between the saturated hues of pre-war life and the stark, desaturated tones of post-war Europe amplifies Miller’s emotional journey.
Cinematographer Pawel Edelman (The Pianist) contributes to the film’s visual gravitas, especially in scenes depicting wartime destruction. His work mirrors Miller’s own photographs, showcasing the devastation she witnessed in France and Germany.
Themes: The Power of Photography and the Female Gaze
Lee is not just a war biopic, but a film that explores the power of photography as a medium for storytelling and advocacy. The film emphasizes how Miller’s unique perspective as a woman allowed her to capture the forgotten and often overlooked faces of war—the women on the home front and the emotional toll on civilians. The film’s emotional core lies in the empathy Miller felt toward her subjects, stemming from her own experiences as a victim and survivor of sexual assault, as depicted in a particularly poignant scene.
Miller’s courage in documenting the atrocities of Nazi concentration camps in Buchenwald and Dachau—at a time when the full extent of the Holocaust was not yet widely known—stands as one of the film’s most impactful moments. Winslet masterfully conveys Miller’s haunted emotions in these scenes, capturing both the horror of what she witnessed and the personal toll it took on her psyche.
Where to Watch Lee Online: Streaming and Rental Options
Lee is currently in its theatrical release phase, but many viewers are eagerly awaiting the chance to watch it online. Given the film’s star-studded cast and historical significance, it is expected to land on major streaming platforms after its initial run in theaters. Below is a breakdown of where and when Lee is likely to be available for online viewing in the U.S.
1. Likely Streaming Services
While no official announcements have been made, films of this caliber often find their way to premium streaming platforms such as:
- HBO Max: With its history of acquiring biographical dramas and films with historical relevance, Lee could be a strong contender for HBO Max’s catalog. The platform is known for its wide array of dramas and award-winning films.
- Amazon Prime Video: Amazon frequently partners with independent and major film distributors, making Prime Video another strong possibility for the film’s digital release.
2. Rental/Purchase Options
If Lee follows a traditional release pattern, it should be available for rental or purchase through major digital platforms within a few months of its theatrical debut. These platforms typically include:
- Apple TV+: As one of the leading platforms for new releases, Apple TV+ will likely offer Lee for digital purchase or rent.
- Google Play Movies: Google Play has a comprehensive selection of recent releases, and Lee will likely be available here for rental or purchase.
- Vudu: Known for its early access to digital rentals and purchases, Vudu is another strong candidate for those looking to rent or buy Lee once it’s out of theaters.
Predictions for Streaming Release
Based on past release patterns, Lee is likely to hit streaming services by early 2025. Typically, films with a strong awards season potential (which Lee undoubtedly has) maintain their theatrical window for several months before transitioning to digital platforms. Given its subject matter and critical reception, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the film featured prominently during the awards season, leading to a post-awards streaming push on services like HBO Max or Netflix.
Conclusion: A Must-Watch Film
Lee (2024) is an emotionally charged, visually stunning biopic that pays tribute to a woman who reshaped war photography and gave a voice to the voiceless. With Kate Winslet’s mesmerizing performance and Ellen Kuras’ poignant direction, the film captures both the horrors of war and the strength of the human spirit. While audiences may have to wait for the film to arrive on streaming platforms, its theatrical release promises a deeply moving cinematic experience.
