Full Breakdown
Netflix’s “Voicemails for Isabelle” Draws Strong Viewership and Mixed Critical Response
6/26/2026, 12:13:30 PM
Plot and Release Overview
“Voicemails for Isabelle” is a Netflix original romantic comedy released on 19 June. The film, written and directed by Leah McKendrick, stars Zoey Deutch as Jill, an aspiring baker who continues to leave voice messages for her sister Isabelle after Isabelle dies from cystic fibrosis. The telephone number is reassigned to estate agent Wes, played by Nick Robinson, who becomes attracted to Jill through the recorded messages.
Reception Data
The film entered Netflix’s Top 10 chart within days and reached the number-one position shortly after release. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds an 84 percent critic score and a 91 percent audience rating.
Official Creator Comments
Deutch told Jimmy Fallon that she receives numerous videos of viewers crying and expressed appreciation for the audience’s emotional response. McKendrick later said she was concerned the film’s final scene might be perceived as creepy by some viewers.
Critical Reception
Praise
The Times praised the film’s visual style and called Deutch an underused talent in Hollywood. The New York Times highlighted the film’s shift from a tear-jerker to a romantic comedy with poignant elements.
Criticism
The Guardian argued that the film favors a creepy tone over a cute one, noting the portrayal of Wes’s pursuit as bordering on stalker-like behavior. The director also expressed concern that the final scene could be perceived as creepy.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Critics differ on whether the film’s tone remains comedic or shifts toward unsettling; positive reviews emphasize its emotional depth, while negative commentary highlights perceived creepiness in the romance dynamic. No consensus is reported on audience interpretation of the final scene.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Ok why did I think voicemails for Isabelle was going to be a rom-com because I cried at least once every 10 minutes for 2 hours ??????” — Viewer, X
- “It’s really beautiful. It’s a cry-off. Please keep sending us your crying videos. We love you. It means a lot.” — Zoey Deutch, Actress (The Tonight Show)
- “begins as a tear-jerker and morphs into a rom-com with poignant notes” — The New York Times
- “In fact, earlier this week, Voicemails for Isabelle director McKendrick revealed that she feared the film’s final scene may come off as “creepy” to viewers.” — Leah McKendrick, Director
Deutch’s Netflix Career and Upcoming Projects
Deutch previously headlined the Netflix original “Set It Up,” which holds a slightly higher Rotten Tomatoes rating. She returned to the platform for the series “The Politician” in 2019 and is slated to appear in the biographical sports drama “The 99’ers” next year.
