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Lee

Lee

Some wounds you cannot see.

2023117 minRMidcredits score: 79th percentile of all films
Director
Ellen Kuras
Starring
Kate Winslet, Andy Samberg, Alexander Skarsgård, Marion Cotillard

The true story of photographer Elizabeth "Lee" Miller, a fashion model who became an acclaimed war correspondent for Vogue magazine during World War II.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Lee?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Lee streaming on Hulu and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

Subscription

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Lee?

Lee earns 8 badges, led by Star-studded and Standout acting.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Cast

Reception

Is Lee worth watching?

Lee's Midcredits score is the 79th percentile of all films, from 138K ratings across 6 sources. 71% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

79th percentile

Better received than 79% of films

66th percentile among Biography80th percentile among 2020s
Acclaim (how much people like it)76th
Approval (how many liked it)80th

69 /100

76th percentile of all films

67th percentile among Biography76th percentile among 2020s

Critics 62 · Audience 70

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 7.1 — solid but not unanimous.

71% liked it

80th percentile of all films

65th percentile among Biography80th percentile among 2020s
71% rated it 7–1029% rated it 1–6

Critics 67% · Audience 94%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of audiences approved than critics.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 3 wins / 17 noms overall

  • NominatedGolden Globes· Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama
  • NominatedBAFTA Awards· Outstanding British Film of the Year

Reach

How many have seen it

94th percentile

138K ratings across platforms

85th percentile among Biography95th percentile among 2020s
TMDB popularity, last 155 days to Oct 26Up 23% in 30 days

Box office

Opening weekend$713K
Domestic gross$2M
Worldwide gross$25M

80th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A well-intentioned biopic about a remarkable woman, anchored by a strong Kate Winslet performance but hampered by uneven storytelling.

Fans praised

  • Kate Winslet's commanding, career-best performance
  • Moving tribute to a pioneering female war photographer
  • Powerful second half depicting WWII atrocities

Detractors panned

  • Boring, patchy plot
  • Fails to capture the extraordinary life adequately
  • Average supporting cast and uneven pacing

What stands out

ActingDivisive85

Winslet's transformative performance; supporting cast underwhelms

Emotional impactDivisive70

Haunting war scenes and personal trauma resonate

OriginalityDivisive60

Familiar biopic formula but subject matter fresh

CharactersDivisive55

Lee's arc compelling, supporting figures thin

Plot and storyDivisive45

Patchy structure, meandering first half, stronger second act

Pacing40

Slow start, sluggish middle, improved war segments

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Women

Women scored it 15 points higher than men.

Under-30s vs over-30s

Preferred by Over-30s

Over-30s scored it 16 points higher than under-30s.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Critics vs users 4 points apart
  • US vs non-US 4 points apart

Watch experience

What is Lee like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Dark and unsettling: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want something dark that stays with you.

It is intense and leaves you haunted. Skip it when you want an easy night.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings.

What it feels like

Dark and unsettling.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseContemplativeBittersweet
Heaviest: middle
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.
Told as
Frame story · 5% of films: A story told inside another — someone is recounting it.Nonlinear · 6% of films: Events shown out of chronological order.
ToneThe film treats its material with unflinching gravity and emotional truth, never undercutting the horror or the character's determination.
The rideThe war scenes bring tension and dread, while the flashback structure and interview frame give a contemplative, sometimes melancholic texture.
StructureThe film is built around a 1977 interview with a young journalist, allowing chronological flashbacks to Miller's wartime experiences.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Haunted.

The answer rests on this: Haunting · 14% of filmsBittersweet
Why it leaves you this wayThe film's indelible images of atrocity and the personal cost of witnessing linger long after, but the legacy of her work leaves a bittersweet sense of purpose fulfilled.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).QuestMission
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10% (this title): Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% (this title) · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Quest: A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles. · Mission: Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).

10% of films fit this archetype

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeLee Miller's driving mission as a war correspondent to document the truth of the Third Reich structures her journey, from early obstacles to uncovering atrocity.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfPurposeSelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22% (this title): Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% (this title) · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Self

Purpose · 9% of films
Warns its theme: Presents its theme as a danger or a coming cost.Global stakes: Consequences reach the world.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film examines how Lee's war photography gives her a purpose and identity, while also showing the cost of that calling and the struggle to find meaning after the trauma.
StanceThe film presents the horrors of war and the cost of witnessing as a warning about the human capacity for atrocity and the psychological toll on those who document it.

The world

Mid 20th centuryUrbanIn transitWildernessRealistic
Orchestral classicalSupportive music · original score · Alexandre Desplat
SettingWorld War II Europe — from the London Blitz to the front lines in Normandy and Germany
MusicDesplat's score is sweeping and mournful, underpinning the war scenes with a somber elegance.

Content guide

Is Lee okay for kids?

R

Lee is rated R: “Rated R for disturbing images, language and nudity” (MPAA). As of August 19, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at intense (63/100), sexual content at moderate (54/100), language at intense (62/100), drug and alcohol content at intense (67/100) and frightening material at severe (81/100). Overall it is heavier than 65% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 20 other countries
  • UK15
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany12
  • France12
  • Ireland15A
  • New ZealandM
  • JapanG
  • South Korea15
  • Brazil16
  • Belgium12
  • Czechia15+
  • LTN-16
  • Netherlands12
  • PRR
  • RO15
  • Russia18+
  • SingaporeNC16
  • Spain16
  • Sweden15
  • Türkiye16+
Overall
Intense · all five categories
Heavier than 79% of all filmsHeavier than 65% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Intense
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 40%
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 63%
Profanity
Intense
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 42%
Alcohol & Drugs
Intense · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 86%
Frightening / Intense
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 79%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Heavy almost across the board: frightening material, drug and alcohol content, violence, and language. Everything else sits at or below what R-rated films usually carry.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Lee have?

MovieCove's classifier found 5 depicted content warnings in Lee: Hate-motivated violence (severe), War atrocities (severe), Gore or body horror (moderate), Sexual violence (moderate), Addiction or relapse (mild). Each is backed by a verbatim quote from the parents' guide notes; a missing warning is not a guarantee of absence.

SevereHate-motivated violenceWar atrocities
ModerateGore or body horrorSexual violence
MildAddiction or relapse

Cast and crew

Who is in Lee?

Cast

5 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Kate Winslet
as Lee Miller
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Andy Samberg
as Davy Scherman
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Alexander Skarsgård
as Roland Penrose
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Marion Cotillard
as Solange D'Ayen
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Andrea Riseborough
as Audrey Withers
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Noémie Merlant
as Nusch Eluard
Josh O'Connor
as Young Man
James Murray
as Colonel Spencer
Arinzé Kene
as Major Jonesy
Vincent Colombe
as Paul Eluard

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Lee?

Movies like Lee include The Survivor (2021), Florence Foster Jenkins (2016) and Rebel in the Rye (2017). Of the 12 closest matches, most are biopics, and most are films set during World War II.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

All 12 share its praise for acting. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Lee?

1.4K other films share the rarest tag below, premise: expedition. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.