One of the best romance films of the last five years, and without question the best romantic movie I’ve seen this year.
Romance has become a genre where we’ve had more quantity than quality over the past decade. So many films come and go without leaving much of an impression. Voicemails for Isabelle is different. This is the kind of movie you want to watch again and again.
I went through every emotion while watching it. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll be completely invested in the journey. It is safe to say Netflix might have a genuine winner on its hands.
More importantly, it feels like a truly unique rom-com.
The story begins with Jill (Zoey Deutch), who continues leaving voicemails for her late sister Isabelle (Ciara Bravo), unaware that Isabelle’s old number has now been reassigned to Wes (Nick Robinson). After listening to Jill’s messages, Wes becomes fascinated by her and arranges a meeting at her favourite bench near the Golden Gate Bridge.
Yes, on paper that sounds a little creepy, but trust me, give it a chance.
From there, the film embraces many of the elements we’ve seen in classic romantic comedies such as You’ve Got Mail, While You Were Sleeping and When Harry Met Sally. Those films work because of their simplicity and because they make us believe in the possibility of love. Voicemails for Isabelle understands that perfectly.
Like the best romances, it takes its time. It is a slow burner that captures grief, hope, loneliness and connection in a way that feels genuine and relatable.
The script is smart, heartfelt and emotionally mature. Credit has to go to writer-director Leah McKendrick, who delivers a story that never feels forced or overly sentimental.
Zoey Deutch and Nick Robinson are excellent together. Their chemistry is effortless and completely believable. Watching them reminded me of the golden era of Disney Channel films and television, where certain pairings just clicked from the moment they shared the screen. Sometimes you cannot quite explain why two actors work so well together, but you know it when you see it.
Deutch absolutely knocks it out of the park. She delivers a performance full of warmth, vulnerability and charm, cementing her place among the very best modern romantic comedy leads. For me, she belongs in the same conversation as Julia Roberts and Kate Hudson when it comes to this genre.
Robinson is equally impressive. He brings plenty of heart to Wes while balancing the film’s emotional moments with natural comedic timing. Together, they make the relationship feel authentic, which is why we become so invested in their story.
Although Ciara Bravo has limited screen time, she leaves a lasting impact. Through only a handful of scenes, she creates such a vivid and heartbreaking presence that you completely understand why Jill struggles to let go of her sister’s memory.
The real charm of Voicemails for Isabelle is not its originality. The story beats may feel familiar, but that doesn’t matter. What matters is that we care about these characters. We root for them from beginning to end, even during the moments when it seems like they may never find their way to each other.
I also loved the San Francisco setting. The city looks absolutely beautiful on screen, and the cinematography captures its charm perfectly. By the end of the film, you’ll probably want to book a flight and visit it yourself.
Voicemails for Isabelle reminds us why romantic comedies became so beloved in the first place. It’s funny, emotional, charming and full of heart. In a genre that has often struggled to find its footing in recent years, this film feels like a breath of fresh air.
Rating: 4.5/5