'Voicemails For Isabelle' Netflix Review: A Perfect Throwback To The Emotionally Charged Rom-Com

Within about 15 minutes of starting Voicemails For Isabelle, I was already looking for tissues to save myself from the mess I was going to become in the next hour and 58 minutes. On the surface, this is a typical rom-com with a slightly problematic concept. You know, this meet-cute is rather thriller-coded, bordering on stalking, but there’s really too much heart in it to make us feel any other kind of way about it. Grief is a very complicated emotion to depict on screen. Sometimes one can feel deeply moved by death on screen, but on occasion, it can feel rather incomplete or hollow. In the case of Voicemails For Isabelle, there’s no doubt Leah McKendrick knew exactly the brief to give actress Zoey Deutch to make a fabulous film about love. 

Rom-coms are meant to bring us joy; they’re supposed to be whimsical enough to feel unrealistic, but Voicemails For Isabelle manages to give us that feeling while still being unbearably real, especially for anyone who has a sister. I can’t stress this enough, but there is no love in the world deeper than the one between sisters. This film embodies this feeling incredibly well. I find myself choking up as I write this article, because never before have I seen this love presented so tastefully while still pushing it to the full extent of what it can be. You don’t need to be fighting a mob or killing monsters to prove this love. Sometimes, all you need is cute code names and a bit of a dance break to show us how deep this connection can truly be. No, really, I can’t stress enough how much I feel seen after watching this film. 

Don’t get me wrong, this relationship has been put on screen and in stories for eons, but this film really gives it a fresh spin that feels genuine in 2026. If you’ve read anything about this film, you already know what happens, but for the uninitiated, I don’t want to give out any spoilers. I myself went in completely blind, and maybe that’s why I had such a visceral reaction to the film, sitting on my bed that I share with my sister, but all alone. Don’t worry, she’s just in another country; I just miss her dearly. But enough of the sob story, because this isn’t all there is to Voicemails For Isabelle. It is, at the end of the day, a rom-com, and does it rom and com as we expect? 

I am overjoyed to report that it absolutely does. This is the kind of film that made me excited for the OTT platform back in the day. It’s wholesome, it’s genuinely romantic, and it’s not cringey or over the top. Also, I had no idea how much I was waiting for a Nick Robinson comeback, because dang, the man’s returned hotter than ever, but also a more sad boy than ever. There was a time when I was absolutely obsessed with this man, and I know why now. As a grown woman, I truly understand the appeal of the sad man. He’s calm, he’s distant, but he’s got a heart. Who wouldn’t fall for that charming smile? On the other hand, Zoey Deutch brings her usual whimsy to the role. We’ve seen her do so many of these; at this point, she’s like a veteran. A rom-queen who we all appreciate for keeping this industry alive. If you don’t want any kind of spoilers and this review is the first thing you’re reading about this film, please skip to the next paragraph. If not, here’s a little summary of the show. After losing her sister, Isabelle, Jill sends voicemails to her number as a way of coping with her loss. However, Isabelle’s number has now been transferred to Wes’ office phone. At first, Wes finds the voice notes hilarious, but then he finds out about Isabelle, and this is where the story really starts. What follows is the rom-com that you’ve been waiting for, and I’m not going to tell you anymore. 

The chemistry between these two is palpable. A friends-to-lovers kinda situation, though one could argue it’s barely that. Nick and Zoey are perfect for these characters and fit into their roles seamlessly. Ciara Bravo is delightful as Isabelle, and I’d never have guessed she’s 29. A film with characters all around my age, wow, I don’t feel old anymore. Speaking of jokes, the comedy is also pretty good, and I want to reiterate, it never feels cringey in any way. I genuinely appreciate that in a world where everyone is trying to do too much. Given that most rom-coms are meant to act as background noise today, you find them going straight to OTT and being forgotten in seconds. For the first time in years, I feel like I’ve found a film that I will actively look to rewatch. This is a huge deal for me because, normally, I’m the kind of person who watches and forgets. While I cried a lot watching Voicemails For Isabelle, I definitely want to watch it again, more relaxed, maybe with my sister. If you get the chance to do that, you should definitely try. 

So, if you’re looking for something to watch during a sleepover and you want to smile from cheek to cheek and then also cry at the same time, then this is the film for you to watch. Being in tune with your feelings seems to be back in style, so quickly. Go get the tissues ready. Also, somehow, with all things considered, it happens to be feminist too, which I absolutely love. So, I don’t think I need to give you any more reason to watch Voicemails For Isabelle. With that said, I give this film 4 out of 5 stars. What can I say, I really felt the feels, okay?