Netflix has another hit on its hands. The streaming platform's new original romantic comedy, Voicemails for Isabelle, has quickly ascended to the number one spot on its global top 10 list, winning over both critics and audiences since its premiere on June 19. The film has been praised for its heartfelt blend of grief and romance, with many viewers reporting the film left them in tears.
The movie stars Zoey Deutch (Not Okay) as Jill, a young aspiring chef in San Francisco who is grappling with the sudden death of her younger sister, Isabelle, played by Ciara Bravo. As a way to cope with her loss and keep her sister's memory alive, Jill continues to leave voicemails on Isabelle's phone, detailing the chaotic, funny, and often heartbreaking moments of her daily life. The film is written and directed by Leah McKendrick, who also stars in a supporting role.
What Jill does not know is that her sister's number has been reassigned. The new recipient of these deeply personal and unfiltered messages is Wes, an Austin-based real estate agent portrayed by Nick Robinson (Love, Simon). Initially confused, Wes soon finds himself captivated by the anonymous woman's voice, leading to an unexpected and unconventional romance.
The film's unique premise is earning it comparisons to classic rom-coms, with multiple critics noting its resemblance to the Nora Ephron classic You've Got Mail, but with a modern, emotionally charged twist . McKendrick has revealed that the film was inspired by real life. The idea sparked from a comedian's bit about leaving long voicemails and was further shaped by her own habit of leaving rambling messages for her sister after she moved to college . The story is a love letter to her sibling and the profound bond they share.
A Critical and Audience Darling on Rotten Tomatoes
Voicemails for Isabelle has achieved significant success on the review aggregate site Rotten Tomatoes, where it holds an impressive 86% score from critics . More importantly, the film has resonated deeply with general audiences, who have awarded it a 91% approval rating . This high audience score is a notable achievement for the romantic comedy genre, which can often divide viewers.
Cast and Creative Team Behind the Film
The film is elevated by its talented cast and creative team. Zoey Deutch delivers a performance that is both relatable and raw, capturing the messiness of grief and the hope of new beginnings. Her chemistry with Nick Robinson, whose character learns to love Jill through her "unfiltered self," has been praised as "sparkling" and "natural" .
This film marks the second successful Netflix rom-com for Deutch. She previously starred in the critically acclaimed Set It Up (2018), which currently boasts a 92% audience score and is also available on the platform . Director Leah McKendrick has crafted a story that transcends typical genre tropes, focusing less on formulaic romance and more on the authentic and "messy" process of healing . The film's score, composed by Este Haim (of the band HAIM) and Amanda Yamate, alongside music supervision by Season Kent, has also been highlighted for effectively elevating the film's emotional core, featuring songs from artists like Taylor Swift and Robyn .
A Unique Blend of Heartbreak and Hope
What sets Voicemails for Isabelle apart is its sincere approach to difficult subject matter. Many critics agree that the film works exceptionally well as a dramedy about grief, showing how loss can be a "constant battle" while still allowing for love and joy to be found . The film's theme is that healing is not about moving on, but learning to move forward while carrying the memory of loved ones with you . Voicemails for Isabelle is currently streaming on Netflix, where it is expected to remain a top draw for the foreseeable future.
